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.
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.
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. NRS 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.
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.
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