DC prohibits open burning of yard waste, trash, and recreational bonfires citywide under DCMR Title 20 Chapter 6. Only small contained cooking fires (grills, chimineas on noncombustible surfaces) are allowed on private property.
The DC Open Burning regulation (DCMR Title 20 Chapter 6) bans outdoor burning of leaves, branches, yard waste, trash, and recreational wood fires anywhere in the District. DOEE enforces as an air quality rule because the District is part of the Washington-Baltimore ozone nonattainment area. Charcoal and propane grills are permitted for cooking on private property, as are small contained patio fire features such as propane fire tables or chimineas burning clean commercial firewood on noncombustible surfaces at least 10 feet from structures. Apartment and condo rooftop decks usually prohibit all flame under IFC 308. Permits for ceremonial or training burns require DC FEMS and DOEE approval and are rarely granted.
DOEE fines from $500 to $5,000 per violation. DC FEMS may order immediate extinguishment and pursue additional air quality penalties.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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