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Fire Regulations in Burlington, VT (2026)

5 verified fire regulations for Burlington, Vermont, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Fire Pit Rules

Chapter 19 lets Burlington residents use small recreational fire pits if they burn only clean wood, sit a safe distance from structures, and have a written burn permit issued by the Burlington Fire Department.

Recreational Fire Pits Allowed With Permit

Some Restrictions

Fireworks

Vermont 20 V.S.A. Chapter 173 prohibits possession or use of most consumer fireworks without a permit. Burlington enforces these limits and reserves displays for permitted professional events licensed by BFD and the State Fire Marshal.

Consumer Fireworks Restricted in Burlington

Heavy Restrictions

Brush Clearance

Burlington has no California-style defensible-space ordinance, but Chapter 19 and property-maintenance rules require owners to keep dry brush and combustibles away from structures and to maintain hydrant access for the Fire Department.

Defensible Space and Brush Around Structures

Few Restrictions

Outdoor Burning

Open burning of brush or yard debris in Burlington requires a written permit from the Burlington Fire Department and is generally limited to specific seasons and weather conditions consistent with Vermont air-quality rules.

Outdoor Brush Burning Requires BFD Permit

Heavy Restrictions

Propane Storage

Burlington follows NFPA 58 and Vermont fire-safety rules for propane storage. Small residential cylinders are allowed for grills and heaters with limits on quantity, location, and indoor storage of filled tanks.

Propane Cylinder Storage Rules

Some Restrictions

Looking for Chittenden County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Burlington city rules.

Fire Regulations in Chittenden County