CHESHIRE FIRE MARSHAL'S OFFICE

OPEN BURNING REGULATIONS AND OPEN BURNING PERMITS

Open Burning in Connecticut is regulated by CT General Statutes Section 23-48, which prohibits open burning except as that which is allowed by the issuance of an Open Burning Permit. The Open Burning Permit is used for a resident to burn clean brush on the property where the resident resides only. Burning on property other than that which the owner resides is prohibited as is burning any substances other than “clean brush”. Clean brush means natural product such as garden trimmings, sticks, twigs, and the like but does NOT include leaves.

**NEW** - Fire Pit and Camp Fire Regulations for the Town of Cheshire. For additional information regarding the use of fire pits, camp fires, bon fires, chimneas, and other similar devices, please click on the link below:

Information Guide for Fire Pits, Camp Fires, Bon Fires, and Chimneas

Open Burning Permit Procedures:

An Open Burning Permit may be obtained by visiting the Fire Marshal’s Office between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. weekdays. It is a good idea to call ahead of time (272-1828) to ensure that someone is available to issue the permit. There is no fee at present to obtain an Open Burning Permit. The Permit must be activated daily for its duration by calling the above number to find out if conditions allow burning for that day. If they do, then the resident must make a second call to the Police Dept. to advise that the Permit will be active for that day. The police have an up to date list of current permits. Calling them prevents reports of smoke being mistaken for an actual fire.

Open Burning Permit Conditions:

1. Open Burning may only be conducted between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on weekdays following the activation of the Permit as per above. The Permit is not valid on weekends or holidays.
2. Open burning shall be kept at least 100- 200 feet from any building and 100 feet from any woodland or grassland.
3. A water source (hose) shall be provided at the open burning site.
4. No individual brush pile shall be larger than 6x6x4 feet.
5. The Open Burning Permit shall be available at the burning site.
6. Burning must cease if so directed by any member of the Fire Marshal’s Office or any Officer of the Fire Department.
7. The Open Burning permit holder shall inform all neighbors of the open burning prior to obtaining and activating the permit. Any type of complaint can and will be cause to order the fire to be extinguished.
8. The permit holder shall agree to all conditions and regulations set forth on the state and local permit forms.