Kansas Statewide Rule

Kansas Open Burning Rules for Range and Pasture Land

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Kansas (2026)

Key Facts

Enforcing agency: KDHE, Bureau of Air
Range/pasture burning: Exempt if conditions met
Before igniting: Notify local fire authority
Flint Hills April: Extra limits, listed counties
Rule effective: March 1, 1996

Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

Kansas bans open burning statewide but exempts range, pasture and prairie management fires under K.A.R. 28-19-648, provided the burner notifies the local fire control authority beforehand and keeps the fire supervised until it is fully extinguished.

Open burning of vegetation such as grass, woody species, crop residue, and other dry plant growth for the purpose of crop, range, pasture, wildlife or watershed management shall be exempt from the prohibition on the open burning of any materials imposed by K.A.R. 28-19-645, provided that ... (1) the person conducting the burn shall notify the local fire control authority with jurisdiction over the area before the burning begins ... (4) the person conducting the burn shall insure that the burning is supervised until the fire is extinguished.

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Full Breakdown

Kansas prohibits open burning statewide under the Air Quality Act (K.S.A. 65-3010) and KDHE rules, but K.A.R. 28-19-648 exempts burning grass, woody species, crop residue and other vegetation for crop, range, pasture, wildlife or watershed management. The person burning must notify the local fire control authority before igniting, must not create a traffic or airport smoke hazard, and must keep the fire supervised until it is extinguished. In certain Flint Hills counties, K.A.R. 28-19-645a further restricts open burning during April to manage smoke, though range and pasture burns stay allowed.

Violations & Penalties

Burning without notifying the local fire control authority, leaving a fire unsupervised, or creating a roadway or airport smoke hazard violates KDHE open-burning rules and draws enforcement under the Kansas Air Quality Act, plus local fire authority action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to burn my pasture in Kansas?

No state permit is required, but you must notify the local fire control authority before burning unless the local governing body has adopted a policy that notice is not required.

Can cities set stricter burn rules than the state?

Yes. K.A.R. 28-19-648(b) lets local jurisdictions adopt more restrictive ordinances or resolutions governing agricultural open burning within their area.

Is prescribed burning limited during the Flint Hills season?

KDHE's K.A.R. 28-19-645a restricts open burning in certain Flint Hills counties during April to control smoke, but range and pasture management burns remain allowed.

Sources

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