Vermont Business Magazine With spring cleaning underway in some parts of the state, the Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) want to remind Vermonters to follow a few guidelines for backyard open burning to protect not only environmental and public health but also public safety.
“Open burning releases air toxics and particulate matter that can harm our health, air quality, and environment,” said DEC Commissioner Misty Sinsigalli. “By following a few simple guidelines, Vermonters can help reduce these health and environmental impacts.”
“Burning debris is the leading cause of wildland fires in Vermont, underscoring the critical importance of proactive measures,” said FPR Commissioner Danielle Fitzko. “In 2025, Vermont had 84 wildland fires, the majority of which were caused by human activity.”
In recent years, higher summer temperatures and increasing drought have led to increased wildland fire risk in Vermont. To minimize the harmful impacts of smoke and reduce wildland fire risks, remember to:
- Get a permit to kindle by contacting your Town Forest Fire Warden. You need a permit to burn legal materials such as tree limbs and branches.
- Consider alternatives to open burning such as chipping, composting, or making a brush pile for wildlife.
- Check the latest wildland fire situation. Review the Fire Danger Forecast and the wildland fire situation update. Postpone burning during periods of moderate or higher fire danger. Sign up for daily fire danger alerts.
- Check the Air Quality Forecast. Postpone burning if atmospheric conditions are not favorable to disperse the smoke, or if the Air Quality Index is moderate or worse.
- Reduce air pollution. Check wind speed and direction before burning to minimize impacts on neighboring properties. Avoid burning green materials; allow them to dry first.
- Never burn trash, including paper, cardboard, tires, plywood, pressboard, asphalt shingles, plastics, or treated wood. Burning trash is harmful and illegal.
- Never leave a fire unattended. Ensure the fire is cool and cannot re-ignite.
- Report wildland fires immediately by calling 911.
“Our best suggestion is to avoid burning altogether and let the materials decompose naturally,” said John Wakefield, Compliance Section Chief for the DEC Air Quality and Climate Division.
On-premise or backyard burning of brush, deadwood, or tree cuttings collected from normal property maintenance is allowed under the Vermont Air Pollution Control Regulations, if no public or private nuisance, such as excessive smoke, is created.
To get permission for backyard burning, obtain a permit to kindle from the Town Forest Fire Warden. When a statewide ban on issuing permits is in effect, Wardens may not issue permits.
You may need an air quality open air burning permit from DEC when burning other materials, including wood waste from demolition activities at a business, industry, farm, or a private residence. When you get this DEC open burn permit, you may also need an additional permit to kindle from your Town Forest Fire Warden or other local officials.
Learn more about open burning from the DEC Air Quality and Climate Division. Learn more about the FPR Wildland Fire Program.
The Department of Environmental Conservation is responsible for protecting Vermont's natural resources and safeguarding human health for the benefit of this and future generations. Visit dec.vermont.gov and follow the Department of Environmental Conservation on Facebook and Instagram.
The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation is responsible for the conservation and management of Vermont’s forest resources, the operation and maintenance of the State Park system, and the promotion and support of outdoor recreation for Vermonters and our visitors. In addition, FPR is responsible for the acquisition, planning coordination and administration of all Agency of Natural Resources lands.
Vermont Agency of Natural Resources Website.
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Vermont Business Magazine