Unauthorized burning can pose a significant threat to public safety, contributing to unintentional structure and wildland fires. The statistics show that these incidents continue to be a problem each year around the country. According to our data, the average number of unauthorized burning reports has remained steady at around 100,000 per year from the years 2012 to 2022.

Permit requirements vary depending on location and the type of burning activity. Whether you're planning a backyard bonfire or just trying to get rid of yard waste, understanding your local regulations is paramount to ensure both safety and compliance.

Safety Tips

Check the Weather: Before you strike a match, check the weather forecast. Windy conditions can quickly turn a controlled burn into a runaway inferno. Aim for a calm, clear day with minimal wind to ensure your flames stay where you want them.

Obtain Permits: Don't be caught in the flames of legal trouble – always obtain the necessary permits before burning. Each jurisdiction has its own regulations, so do your homework and secure the proper permissions beforehand.

Clear the Area: Create a buffer zone around your burn site by clearing away any flammable materials. Remove dry leaves, grass, and debris from the area to prevent sparks from igniting unintended targets.

Have Water Nearby: Keep a hose, bucket of water, or fire extinguisher close at hand. These tools can be lifesavers if your flames start to misbehave or if an unexpected gust of wind fans the flames.

Start Small: Don't go from zero to inferno in one fell swoop. Start with a small fire and gradually add more fuel as needed. This allows you to maintain control and prevent the fire from growing too quickly.

Monitor the Fire: Keep a watchful eye on your flames at all times. Avoid leaving the fire unattended, even for a quick break. By staying vigilant, you can catch any problems early and prevent them from escalating.

Extinguish Thoroughly: Once you're done burning, it's time to extinguish the flames. Use your hose, water bucket, or extinguisher to douse the fire completely. Stir the ashes and embers to ensure there are no hot spots lurking beneath the surface.

Follow Up: After the flames are out, take a stroll around the burn site to ensure everything is fully extinguished. Feel for hot spots with the back of your hand – if it's still warm, keep dousing until it cools completely.

Dispose of Ashes Safely: Once the fire is out and the ashes are cool, dispose of them safely. Place them in a metal container with a lid, away from any flammable materials, and store them in a secure location until trash pickup day.

Data Source and Methodology

The data above count NFIRS basic incidents, years 2012-2022, for all states, where mutual aid is not given (codes 3 and 4), and the incident type is "Unauthorized burning" (code 561).

Mutual aid given incident reports are not counted in order to avoid duplicates.