Sitting around a fire on the beach can be romantic and relaxing. Beach fires are allowed, with regulations, on beaches in Nags Head and along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area. The regulations are as follows:

Nags Head
Permits are required and are obtained from the Nags Head Fire Department Headquarters located at MP 14.5, Bypass, 5314 South Croatan Highway and Station 21 on 8806 Old Oregon Inlet Road after 5 p.m. on the specific day the fire is requested. Fires will not be permitted if winds are 10 knots or more. A picture ID, the address of applicant, and the location for the requested fire are required. Fires cannot be built within 50 feet of any combustible material. In addition, the hollowed-out pit must be no larger than 3 feet in diameter and not less than 1 foot in depth. The fire must be attended by an adult and must be completely extinguished prior to leaving.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area
Small ground fires are permitted on the beach below the high tide line and a minimum 100 feet from dune vegetation. Ground fires must be attended by an adult and be completely extinguished using water, not sand, before leaving. Permits are not required.

Beach fires are not permitted in the Towns of Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills.