Open Burning

DEEP and your local municipality limit open burning for public health and safety reasons. Open burning is defined as the burning of any matter in such a manner that the products of combustion resulting from the burning are emitted directly into the ambient air without passing through a stack or flue. Open burning pollutes the air and can make it difficult for people with respiratory problems to breathe, particularly for those in densely populated areas. Open burning can create nuisance odors and smoke that may adversely affect your neighbors. Loss of control in the midst of open burning can result in forest fire and destruction of property. When conducting any type of burning, the utmost caution must be exercised to prevent injury to yourself or family members, and to prevent damage to your home or any neighboring properties.

Residential Open Burning

View information on the restrictions, conditions, & permitting, required for open burning on residential property.

Municipal Open Burning

View information on the restrictions, conditions, training & permitting, required for open burning by municipalities.

“Open Burning Official” Training

training image with knowledge highlighted

Learn about and access the CT Open Burning Training Program which assists municipalities in meeting the certification requirements for Open Burning Officials.

Campfires, Bonfires, Fire Pits, Chimineas & Similar Devices

View information on the burning of non-processed wood for campfires, bonfires, chimineas & other similar devices.

Open Burning Restrictions

Residents looking to burn must have a valid and signed permit from their local Open Burning Official. Cities and towns looking to burn brush at their DEEP permitted landfill, transfer station, or recycling center must have a valid and signed open burning permit from DEEP.

Open burning is not allowed

to clear land prior to construction activities
as a means to dispose of construction debris, household trash, or leaves.
if the Air Quality Index (AQI) is forecasted to be 100 or higher anywhere in the state
if the Forest Fire Danger Index is rated High, Very High, or Extreme
if national or state ambient air quality standards may be exceeded
if a hazardous health condition might be created
if there is an advisory from DEEP of any air pollution episode

Do you have a complaint regarding open burning on residential property?

Smoke, nuisance odors, or other complaints regarding open burning on a residential piece of property are best directed to your local Fire Marshal and/or Open Burning Official. Please visit your town's website to obtain the appropriate contact information.

Issues or concerns relating to the health effects created or experienced during open burning should be directed to your local Open Burning Official as well as your local Health Department.

Please do not call the CT DEEP for residential open burning complaints, every municipality should have an enforcement program in place to effectively handle any and all residential open burning complaints/issues.

In the case of an emergency please call 911 or your local Fire Department.

Alternatives to Open Burning

Construction & Demolition Waste | Composting & Organics Recycling | Wildlife Habitat

Content Last Updated on: January 16, 2026