Learn all about how to safely and legally burn brush and have outdoor recreational fires
Under Vermont law, a “Permit to Kindle Fire” is required from the Town Forest Fire Warden or Deputy Town Forest Fire Warden for burning untreated wood, brush, weeds, or grass, unless the fire is in an enclosed firepit 36” diameter or less, or there is snow on the site (Title 10 V.S.A. Chapter 83 § 2645). This permit is be required whether your intention is to dispose of the brush, or if you wish to have a bonfire for recreational purposes. The permit is free and helps prevent both wildland fires and needless emergency response. The permit may be withheld if the fire danger is high, or issued with certain conditions to assure safety. Failure to obtain a permit may result in a fine.
What Is Permissible to Burn in Vermont
You can burn natural wood in an enclosed fire pit for recreation or cooking all year, with no permit needed. An enclosed fire pit is 36″ or less in diameter. At times of extremely high fire danger, the fire department of the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources may ban all outdoor burning, but most of the year this is perfectly safe and permissible.
It is legal to burn brush (weeds, branches, slash, leaves and other plant matter), or construction/demolition debris so long as it is exclusively natural wood. State and town ordinances forbid burning anything other than natural materials. This includes plywood, particle board, or other composite materials, pressure treated wood, and any type of painted, stained, varnished, glued, or finished materials. Burning trash or unnatural materials of any kind is illegal and may result in prosecution.
Burning fields for the purpose of brush mitigation or the maintenance of edge habitat is also legal, but it requires special procedures and fire department involvement. Give us a call or complete the form below to begin the process.
Request a Burn Permit
To request a burn permit, call your local Warden, or complete the form below to request a callback. Please note: this information is for Pawlet and West Pawlet locations ONLY. If you are in a different jurisdiction, contact your local fire department.
Completing this form does not automatically grant you a permit! Please be sure to request a permit at least 48 hours before you intend to burn so the warden has time to review your request and call you back.