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Nebraska Statewide Rule

Nebraska Statewide Open Burning Ban and Wildfire Rules

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Nebraska (2026)

Key Facts

Statute
Neb. Rev. Stat. 81-520.01
Penalty
Class IV misdemeanor
Waiver
Local fire chief permit
Max permit fee
Ten dollars
Enforcer
State Fire Marshal, fire chiefs
Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

Nebraska imposes a statewide open burning ban on bonfires, outdoor rubbish fires, and land-clearing fires under Neb. Rev. Stat. 81-520.01. Only a local fire chief can waive it by issuing a written burn permit, and violators face a Class IV misdemeanor.

There shall be a statewide open burning ban on all bonfires, outdoor rubbish fires, and fires for the purpose of clearing land. ... The local fire department may charge a fee, not to exceed ten dollars, for each such permit issued.

Full Breakdown

Under Neb. Rev. Stat. 81-520.01, no person may set a bonfire, outdoor rubbish fire, or fire to clear land anywhere in Nebraska unless the local fire chief issues a written open burning permit. The permit must list the landowner's name and phone, the burn location, the date, start and end times, the material burned, and the responsible person; the fire department may charge up to ten dollars per permit. The State Fire Marshal administers fire-prevention law statewide, and section 81-520.02 makes any violation of the ban a Class IV misdemeanor.

Violations & Penalties

A violation of the statewide open burning ban is a Class IV misdemeanor under Neb. Rev. Stat. 81-520.02, punishable by a fine of up to five hundred dollars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I burn brush on my Nebraska property?
Only with an open burning permit issued by your local fire chief. The statewide ban in section 81-520.01 otherwise prohibits bonfires, rubbish fires, and land-clearing fires.
What is the penalty for illegal open burning?
Violating the statewide open burning ban is a Class IV misdemeanor under section 81-520.02, carrying a fine of up to five hundred dollars.
Does a permit cost money?
The local fire department may charge a fee of up to ten dollars for each open burning permit it issues.

Sources

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