Lincoln, NE Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in Lincoln, NE, 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
- Leaf/Yard Waste Burning
- Prohibited in city limits
- Permit Required
- LLCHD + State Fire Marshal
- State Law
- Neb. Rev. Stat. §81-520.01 open burning ban
- Contact
- (402) 441-8040 LLCHD Air Quality
Summary
Lincoln prohibits most outdoor burning including leaves, yard waste, and trash under LMC 8.06. Open burning requires dual permits from the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department and Nebraska State Fire Marshal.
LMC 8.06.140 - Open Burning. a. It shall be unlawful for any person to cause, suffer, allow, or permit open burning of refuse or salvage material within the city limits of the City of Lincoln with the following exceptions: 1. Fires set in structures (grills and fireplaces) for cooking and warmth as provided by the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department. 2. Fires of less than eight cubic feet in size that are used for cooking or ceremonial purposes provided such fires comply with Lincoln Fire Codes (LMC 19.03). Fires of a size greater than eight cubic feet to be used for cooking or ceremonial purposes are allowed if a permit has been issued under Section 8.06.145 of this chapter (LMC 8.06).
Full Breakdown
Lincoln Municipal Code Chapter 8.06 and Nebraska Revised Statutes 81-520.01 strictly regulate outdoor burning within city limits. Burning of leaves, yard waste, garbage, and refuse is illegal in Lincoln. Open burning of salvage materials, petroleum products, solvents, treated lumber, rubber, plastics, and chemicals is prohibited without exception. Any open burn larger than 8 cubic feet requires a permit from the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) and a Nebraska State Fire Marshal burn permit obtained through Lincoln Fire and Rescue. Neb. Rev. Stat. §81-520.01 imposes a statewide open burning ban on bonfires, outdoor rubbish fires, and land-clearing fires, though local fire chiefs may issue waivers when conditions permit. The LLCHD Air Quality Section at (402) 441-8040 processes burn permit applications and can issue temporary bans during poor air quality days.
Violations & Fines
Illegal burning in Lincoln can result in fines per LMC 8.06. Burning leaves or yard waste is a municipal infraction. Fire marshal violations may carry additional state-level penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn leaves in my yard in Lincoln?
How do I get a burn permit in Lincoln?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lincoln
How Lincoln compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare Lincoln to another location·View the Nebraska fire regulations overview
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