In accordance with CT General Statutes and the air pollution regulations of state agencies, ALL outside fires are regulated, including the outside burning of brush, camp fires and/or fires used for recreation, cooking, warming, or worship. Regardless of how the fire is contained, (e.g. a fire pit, a cooking device, or appliance), all fires are subject to the regulations outlined below.

Permitted Open Burning is allowed only from September 16 through June 15, provided it meets the following regulations:

• Clean seasoned fire wood is the only material which can be burned. Charcoal is permitted for cooking fires only.
• Dry brush trimmings can be burned only if the fire is smaller than three inches in diameter.
• Outdoor fires should NOT be ignited when the wind speed exceeds 15 mph or the forest fire danger risk is high.
• Outdoor fires should NOT be ignited when the air quality index exceeds 100 anywhere in the State of Connecticut.
• If conditions may create nuisance smoke for others, outdoor fires should NOT be ignited. Smoke generated by ANY outdoor fire that leaves your property and causes a nuisance odor condition is considered a violation of the statutes pertaining to the protection of health and air quality and thereby is subject to enforcement. Please respect the right of others to breathe clean air and restrict any burning activity under these conditions.

Under these regulations, citizens are prohibited from burning certain materials, including, but not limited to, the following items:
• Leaves, green vegetation, pine needles, moss, mulch
• Trash/garbage/refuse
• Papers and/or plastics
• Demolition and/or building materials
• Organic wastes
• Furniture (including mattresses)
• Pressure treated lumber, wood and/or plastic pallets
• Tires and/or vehicle components
• Fiberglass
• Fabrics
• Books
• Flammable liquids
• Cans and/or containers

In addition to the above requirements, the Local Open Burning Official must grant approval prior to each window of burning opportunity. 

Fires that do NOT require a permit:
• Camp fires smaller than 4 feet in diameter.  These are also not subject to the June 15-Sept 15th time restrictions.
• Fires used for warming, cooking or worship are also not subject to the June 15 to September 15 time restriction however, these fires are subject to the limitation of a size smaller than 4 feet in diameter.
• Bon fires, (larger than four feet in diameter), must meet regulatory conditions and require advance approval by the Fire Marshal.

These regulations are intended to protect the health and safety of the public and safeguard clean breathing air. This mandated effort seeks to prevent or decrease respiratory illnesses and to prevent the outbreak of unwanted fire. Residents are encouraged to seek alternative methods of vegetation management other than disposal by open burning.

To inquire about obtaining an Open Burning Permit and/or determine if burning can be conducted safely on your property- please contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at (860) 652-7526. Helpful tips will be provided to assist you with preparing and conducting this regulated activity.