I thought this was weird, since we often rage it into the night with a huge bonfire in my yard. I'm just a chick looking up stuff on the internet, and don't really know the codes, but this is what I found:

"Recreational fires are exempt from a permit, if in compliance with section 307.3.2 and 307.4 of the NC Fire Code. A recreational fire cannot exceed 3 feet in diameter or 2 feet in height and must not contain rubbish, trash, or building materials. The fire must be constantly attended and have a 4-A fire extinguisher, water hose, or other fire extinguishing material available for immediate use. Recreational fires must be a least 25 feet away from structures or combustible materials.Debris burning is the number one cause of wildfires in North Carolina and trash burning is illegal within the Asheville city limits. Asheville Fire and Rescue urges citizens to be extremely careful if they choose to use outdoor grills or recreational fires."

Sections 307.3.2, etc of the NC Fire Code also say that the fire must be 25' from a structure. I saw no mention of a time frame. However,
fires that require a PERMIT must be extinguished by 6 PM. Maybe that is the source of the confusion.

Also, if a burning ban is in effect then you will be ticketed for having a fire regardless.