North Carolina Fire Law is the first comprehensive textbook that targets the legal issues involved in fighting fires in North Carolina. It also provides a quick reference guide for others interested in the legal aspects of North Carolina fire protection activities.

The text begins with descriptions of the organization and sources of the law, then outlines the structure of North Carolina’s court systems. The next chapter is a description of the bases for the authority of fire departments to take action when called upon for assistance. These chapters are intended to give the student basic building blocks for the discussions presented in later material.

Subsequent chapters discuss various aspects of fire department activities including investigations, inspections, apparatus operation, mutual aid, nonprofit corporate activities, finance and district organization, employment law, benefits, and hazardous materials operations. These topics are followed by a chapter that outlines the General Statutes that describe and provide punishments for the various types of unlawful burning.

The final chapter focuses on civil liability and demonstrates the interrelationships of the topics discussed in the preceding chapters. It begins with a simplified legal description of the concept of civil liability and how it functions. Liability is discussed in terms of the duties imposed upon on-duty firefighters and their departments, and the defenses available to them, which might prevent them from being held liable for the consequences of their activities.

"As the fire service has become complex, every firefighter must have a basic understanding of the laws pertaining to this field. Barrett Graham has written an effective reference tool regarding fire law as it relates to North Carolina and has done so in a manner that is easy and enjoyable to read."—Randy Egsegian M.Ed., Program Director Fire Protection Technology and Emergency Preparedness Technology, Durham Technical Community College

"North Carolina Fire Law is an excellent reference book for anyone involved in the fire service in North Carolina. Barrett Graham’s knowledge of the law and the ability to relate it to practical applications and situations makes this book most useful. This book is more in depth than past publications and more informative than current books on North Carolina fire law; it is long overdue.”—David L. Cates, Instructor–Fire Protection Technology, Wilson Technical Community College

"If I had a 'Ten Most Useful Books for Fire Service Leaders' list, C. Barrett Graham's North Carolina Fire Law would be near the top."—Carolina Fire Journal