Vermont Statewide Rule
Vermont Outdoor Burning and Fire Warden Permits
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Yes, from town warden
- Statute
- 10 V.S.A. § 2641-2647
- Banned materials
- Trash, plastics, tires
- Issuing authority
- Town fire warden
- Cost recovery
- Liable for suppression
Summary
Vermont requires a permit from the town fire warden for any outdoor burning of natural wood debris under 10 V.S.A. ยง 2641-2647. The warden's permit system is statutory and applies in every municipality. Burning solid waste, plastics, or treated wood is prohibited statewide.
Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person shall not kindle or authorize another person to kindle a fire in the open air for the purpose of burning natural wood, brush, weeds, or grass without first obtaining permission from the town forest fire warden or deputy forest fire warden stating when and where such fire may be kindled. Wood, brush, weeds, or grass shall not be burned if they have been altered in any way by surface applications or injection of paints, stains, preservatives, oils, glues, or pesticides. Whenever such permission is granted, the fire warden, within 12 hours, shall issue a written "Permit to Kindle" for record purposes stating when and where such fire may be kindled.
Full Breakdown
Each Vermont town has a state-appointed fire warden who issues kindling permits before burning brush, leaves, untreated wood, or natural slash. The warden assesses weather, drought conditions, and proximity to structures. Permits may be denied during high fire-danger days. Burning trash, painted wood, plastics, tires, or construction debris is barred under both 10 V.S.A. § 2645 and Vermont Air Pollution Control Regulations § 5-204. Fires must be attended and fully extinguished. The Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation oversees the warden program.
Violations & Penalties
Burning without a permit or burning prohibited materials: fines up to $1,000 plus suppression costs; criminal liability for negligent fires under 13 V.S.A. § 502.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a small backyard burn pile?
Can I burn household trash in Vermont?
What about recreational campfires?
Sources
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