Rhode Island Statewide Rule

Rhode Island Forest-Land Open-Burning Permit Rules (RIGL 2-12-6)

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Rhode Island (2026)

Key Facts

Governing statute: RIGL 2-12-6
Permit issuer: DEM director
Open-burn penalty: $10-$100 or 10-30 days
Willful fire penalty: Up to $2,000, 5 years
Forest closure power: Governor proclamation (2-12-13)

Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

Rhode Island bans burning flammable material on or adjacent to forest land without a written permit from the Department of Environmental Management director, under RIGL 2-12-6. During a declared fire hazard the governor can close forests outright under RIGL 2-12-13.

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no person shall burn any flammable material on or adjacent to forest land without a written permit from the director of the department of environmental management or, his or her authorized representative... Whoever violates the provisions of this section shall, upon conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100) nor less than ten dollars ($10.00) or to imprisonment not exceeding thirty (30) days nor less than ten (10) days or both.

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Full Breakdown

Under RIGL 2-12-6, no one may burn flammable material on or adjacent to forest land without a written permit from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management director, who can cancel or suspend permits when public necessity requires. A permit fire must be totally extinguished before leaving it. Violators face a $10 to $100 fine or 10 to 30 days in jail, or both. Carelessly setting a fire on another's land draws $25 to $200 under RIGL 2-12-10; a willful fire runs up to $2,000 and five years, plus liability for the state's suppression costs. When an unusual forest fire hazard exists, the governor may close forests and suspend hunting and fishing under RIGL 2-12-13.

Violations & Penalties

A permitless burn on or near forest land brings a $10 to $100 fine or 10 to 30 days in jail. Carelessly setting a fire on another's land adds $25 to $200 plus liability for suppression costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to burn near forest land in Rhode Island?

Yes. RIGL 2-12-6 requires a written permit from the DEM director to burn flammable material on or adjacent to forest land, and you must totally extinguish the fire before leaving it.

What happens if a fire spreads to someone else's land?

Under RIGL 2-12-10, carelessly setting a fire that reaches another's land brings a $25 to $200 fine or jail, plus liability for the state's suppression expenses.

Can Rhode Island close its forests during fire danger?

Yes. Under RIGL 2-12-13, when an unusual forest fire hazard exists the governor may proclaim forests closed and suspend hunting, fishing, and forestry operations.

Sources

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