Indianapolis, IN Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Indianapolis, IN, also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance, set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Marion County Rev. Code Sec. 511-702
- Rule
- All open burning prohibited except Sec. 511-703 to 511-706
- Prohibited
- Leaves, garbage, lumber, furniture, tires, hazardous materials
- Enforcement / fine
- DPW + fire/police; up to $2,500 per day (Sec. 511-709)
Summary
It is unlawful to cause, suffer or allow any open burning anywhere in Marion County except the limited purposes permitted by Sec. 511-703 through 511-706, and even permitted wood burning may not be done so as to cause annoyance or constitute a nuisance, under Marion County Revised Code Sec. 511-702.
Sec. 511-702. Open burning restricted; general prohibitions. It shall be unlawful at all times to cause, suffer or allow any open burning at any place within Marion County except as permitted by sections 511-703 through 511-706; provided, no person shall cause, suffer, allow or permit the emission into the atmosphere of any substance or combination of substances from the burning of wood products as allowed therein in such quantities as to cause annoyance or constitute a nuisance so as to interfere with the health or well-being of any individual in his/her home or place of employment or recreation or as to interfere with the normal use and enjoyment of any such place.
Full Breakdown
Indianapolis/Marion County Revised Code Sec. 511-702 establishes a general prohibition on open burning, allowing it only for the special purposes in Sec. 511-703 (ceremonial fires, campfires/cookouts, comfort fires, agricultural waste, heating/fireplaces, and residential limb/twig/branch burning), fire training (Sec. 511-704), emergency burning (Sec. 511-705) and air-curtain-incinerator variances (Sec. 511-706). Prohibited materials include leaves, grass, household garbage, lumber, furniture, mattresses, land-clearing debris, dead animals, tires and hazardous materials (indy.gov BNS). The state baseline, 326 IAC 4-1-2, similarly provides that 'Open burning is prohibited except as allowed in this rule,' but Indianapolis enforces its own local ordinance through the Department of Public Works and fire/law-enforcement officers under Sec. 511-708.
Violations & Fines
Under Sec. 511-709, a violator may admit liability and pay a $50 civil penalty; substantial violations may be administratively adjudicated or civilly enforced, with fines not to exceed $2,500 for each violation and each day in violation counted separately. The owner of the property where the burning occurs is prima facie liable (Sec. 511-707(b)).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is open burning allowed in Indianapolis?
Can I burn trash or yard waste?
Who enforces open-burning rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Indianapolis
How Indianapolis compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Indianapolis to another location·View the Indiana fire regulations overview
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