How to Know the Backyard Burn Regulations in Your Area Whether you use a burn pile, a barrel, a fire pit, campfires, field burns, or even open grills, each type of fire has restrictions. These restrictions change frequently depending on where you live and the current climate conditions. Because of this, burning regulations can be confusing and inconsistent. Be responsible by checking the current fire burn status before any type of burn.
Consider these resources to help you stay informed:
but are often subject to conditions such as time- of-day restrictions, weather limitations, and safety precautions. Failing to secure a permit could not only get you a citation but may also void insurance coverage if the fire gets out of hand. When communicating your needs, be specific about what you’ll be burning and how you plan to go about it. Be sure you read and understand the outlined permit restrictions before beginning any burn. Newsletter : Homeowners’ associations may restrict or prohibit open burning, even if it’s legal in your county. Check the Neighborhood
z Check Government Sites: Find the government site with information about your area. Depending on where you’re located, the Bureau of Land Management, the Forestry Department for your state, or another government agency may provide the most up-to-date information. Hit up Google for a search titled, “Fire restrictions in my area” to find the most relevant information. Remember, also, that fires affect air quality, and bans are put in place when the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) feels that burning in stagnant air conditions could create breathing hazards. z Contact the Fire Department: Your local fire department is a great resource for researching the current regulations for your burn. Remember that not all fires are created equal, and while one activity might be allowed, another may be part of a current ban. For example, certain types of grilling are typically allowed during a burn ban, but a backyard campfire, even in a pit, may not be. Even allowed activities often have restrictions related to size or type of fuel. For example, your fire pit may need to be less than three feet in diameter or have a cover. z Get a Permit: In many jurisdictions, backyard burning requires a permit, even for seemingly harmless activities like burning a pile of leaves. When allowed, permits are usually easy to obtain
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z Get on Social Media: During burn season, regulations will be a hot topic on local social media groups and pages that report local news. When a burn ban is in effect, the headlines will often announce it. You can also follow federal and local departments that monitor burn activities, as well as groups in your neighborhood. However, don’t take social media as an authority on the subject. Although there may be useful information, always confirm information with the authorities. z Check Often: Regardless of what the report said yesterday, burn classifications can change within hours. Ensure you have the most up-to-date information to avoid fines or worse, dangerous situations.
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November 2025
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