Sitting around a fire on the beach can be romantic and relaxing. Although not allowed on beaches in Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk or Kill Devil Hills - fires are allowed, with regulations, on beaches in Nags Head and along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The regulations are as follows:

Permits are required and are obtained from the Nags Head Fire Department located at 5314 Croatan Highway before 5:00pm 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 extinguished prior to leaving.

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.