Wyoming Statewide Rule

Wyoming State Open Burning Regulations and DEQ Oversight

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Wyoming (2026)

Key Facts

Regulator: Wyoming DEQ Air Quality
Rule citation: WAQSR Chapter 10, Sec 2
Exemptions: Cooking, recreation, warmth
Permit required: Trade waste, vegetative
Civil penalty cap: $10,000 per day

Last verified: August 21, 2026Source: Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality

Summary

Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality regulates open burning statewide under WAQSR Chapter 10, Section 2. Burning of refuse, trade waste, and vegetative materials requires authorization, with universal exemptions for cooking and recreation.

A person is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00) if he, outside of normal agronomic or forestry practices, lights a fire outdoors and leaves the vicinity of the fire without extinguishing it or containing it so it does not spread or conditions are such that the fire is not reasonably likely to spread.

Source: Wyoming Department of Environmental QualityView official code

Full Breakdown

Wyoming's open burning rules are administered by the DEQ Air Quality Division under Wyoming Air Quality Standards and Regulations (WAQSR) Chapter 10, Section 2. The rules apply statewide and govern small-scale burns of refuse, trade wastes, leaves, vegetative debris, fire hazards, and emergency or training operations. Statutory exemptions cover recreational fires, cooking, warming, livestock branding, and handheld extinguisher training. Large-scale prescribed and agricultural burns fall under the Smoke Management Program. Local fire departments and county commissioners may impose additional restrictions, but the DEQ framework establishes the universal statewide baseline that no municipality may relax.

Violations & Penalties

DEQ violations may result in administrative penalties under W.S. 35-11-901, including civil fines up to $10,000 per day for unauthorized burning of prohibited materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to burn leaves in my Wyoming yard?

Vegetative burning typically requires DEQ authorization or local fire department approval. Recreational fires for warmth or cooking are exempt under state regulations.

Can I burn household trash in Wyoming?

Burning of refuse and trade wastes is restricted statewide under WAQSR Chapter 10. Most household garbage burning requires authorization or is prohibited outright.

Sources

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