There are situations where you may not need a burn permit. It is always best to check with your local fire department for verification.
Recreational fires do not require a burn permit, however, they must have a total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter, and 2 feet or less in height, and be used for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth, or similar purpose.
Regulations for Open Fires:
- Prohibition on Public Property: It is strictly forbidden to ignite fires on streets, alleys, sidewalks, boulevards, bridges, or any other public property.
- Supervision Requirement: All open fires and recreational fires must be attended at all times by a responsible individual equipped with a garden hose connected to a water supply or an approved fire extinguisher, readily available for controlling the fire.
- Distance from Structures: Open fires must be kept a minimum distance of 50 ft. away from any structure or flammable material.
- Hours of Operation: Open burning is permitted only between sunrise and sunset, and the fire must be fully extinguished before sunset.
- Burn Days: Burning wood on private property is strictly prohibited unless the Fire Department has officially declared it a “burn day.”
- Nuisance Fires: If an open fire produces dense smoke or poses a threat to life or property, authorities may require immediate extinguishment.
- Hazardous Conditions: Open fires will be prohibited during atmospheric conditions, such as high winds, that could make burning hazardous.
- Land Clearing Restrictions: It is not allowed to burn refuse, wood, trees, brush, or any organic growth with the intent of clearing land for development purposes.