Sitting around a bonfire on the beach can be romantic and relaxing and it's certainly not something you get to do everyday. Although not allowed on the beaches in Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk or Kill Devil Hills, bonfires are allowed with regulations, on the beaches in Nags Head and along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The rules are as follows:

Nags Head

Permits are required and are obtained from the Nags Head Fire Department located at 5314 South Croatan Highway after 5:00 pm 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, including buildings, beach grass, sea oats and driftwood. 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 a competent adult and must be extinguished prior to leaving the site.

Currituck County

Beach fires are illegal on the Currituck Outer Banks. Also, glass is NOT permitted on the beach.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Ground fires are permitted on the beach below the high tide line and a permit is not required. And, as above, the fire must be attended by an adult and be completely extinguished before leaving the site of the bonfire.