Vacant buildings left unsecured create a hazard to both the public and to responding emergency personnel. This becomes more of a hazard during winter months when the local shelters are full, and individuals create warming fires inside these structures to keep warm.

Section 311 of the North Carolina Fire Code requires that owners or persons in charge of vacant buildings or tenant spaces properly safeguard the property to minimize risk of fire and prevent unauthorized entry. The following steps must be taken to correctly maintain vacant properties or tenant spaces: 

• Any hazardous materials shall be removed from inside and outside the structure.
• All accumulations of combustible waste and rubbish shall be removed from the property.
• All openings, including doors and windows, shall be properly secured to prevent unauthorized entry.
• Fire-rated partitions separating vacant tenant spaces from adjoining spaces shall be maintained.

To report an unsafe condition regarding a vacant or abandoned property, you may register an on-line complaint by clicking on the "Fire Code Complaint Form" link to the left of this page, or contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 704-336-2101.