District of Columbia Statewide Rule
District of Columbia Prohibits Open Burning (20 DCMR 604)
Key Facts
- Rule
- 20 DCMR 604.1
- Default
- Open fires prohibited
- Enforcer
- DOEE Air Quality Division
- Cooking fires
- Allowed (non-commercial)
- Leaf/trash burning
- No permit path
Summary
Open fires are prohibited across the District of Columbia under the air quality regulations, with narrow exceptions for recreational cooking, firefighter training, fire-hazard prevention, official duties, and approved worker warming heaters.
604.1 Open fires shall be prohibited, except as otherwise provided by § 604.2. 604.2 Open fires may be permitted for one (1) or more of the following reasons or purposes: (a) The performance of an official duty by any public health or public safety officer, after notification to the Mayor; (b) Prevention of a fire hazard which cannot be abated by other means; (c) Instruction of public fire fighters under the supervision of a designated fire marshal; (d) Recreational purposes, including the cooking of food for human consumption on other than commercial premises; or (e) Providing warmth for construction or other workers by use of Salamander heaters or other heating devices approved by the Mayor.
Full Breakdown
District of Columbia air quality rule 20 DCMR 604.1 states open fires are prohibited except as provided by § 604.2. The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) Air Quality Division enforces the ban. Section 604.2 permits open fires only for five purposes: an official duty by a public health or safety officer after notifying the Mayor; preventing a fire hazard that cannot be abated otherwise; instruction of firefighters under a fire marshal; recreational purposes, including cooking food for human consumption on non-commercial premises; and warming construction workers with Salamander heaters or other Mayor-approved devices. There is no permit path for burning leaves, yard waste, or trash.
Violations & Penalties
Burning outside the § 604.2 exceptions violates the D.C. Air Pollution Control Act of 1984, enforced by DOEE; the District's dense urban setting leaves no lawful path for debris or refuse burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I burn leaves or yard waste in DC?
Is a backyard barbecue or fire pit allowed?
Sources
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