Open Burning Permit Instructions

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About Burning Permits

Burning permits are only issued when the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection determines the fire danger is less than high

Open burning is allowed in the Town of Colchester for the disposal of brush on residential property.  With the exception of burning in a grill or outdoor fireplace for cooking food or a warming fire, you will need a permit to burn out-of-doors. Open burning rules are dictated by Connecticut General Statutes (Section 22a-174) and by the Department of Environmental Protection regulations (22a-264-17).

• To obtain a burning permit Contact the Open Burning Official.
• A permit will not be issued if the burn index is high.
• The permit is valid for residential one and two family property only.
• A permit is applicable only for the date range specified.

Guidelines For Open Burning Of Brush

• The resident must sign the permit and is responsible for burning.
• Permits will be issued to residents only for the property on which they reside.
• Permits will not be issued for land clearing if there is no residence on the property.
• Permit is issued for the burning of brush only. No leaves, paper, cardboard, garbage or liquids.  
• Brush piles should be no larger than 5 feet wide x 10 feet long x 5 feet high.
• Burning must be conducted between the hours of 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on a sunny to partly sunny day with a wind speed no less than 5 mph and no greater than 15 mph.  No visible smoke or embers may remain after 5:00 pm
• Burning must NOT take place (a) during an advisory of threatening atmospheric conditions or any other air pollution emergency episode or (b) during a period when forest fire danger is high or extreme if the open burning is within 100 feet of a woodland or a grassland adjacent to a woodland.
• You must contact QV Emergency Communications at 860-537-3415 prior to burning.
• No objectionable odors or excessive smoke may be created. All reasonable measures to assure complete combustion are to be taken.
• All safety precautions are to be taken -- including the clearing of grass and trees, wetting down of the surrounding areas and placing fire extinguishers.
• Burning permit must be available at all times at the site of the burn.
• Burning must cease if so directed by the Burning Official, Fire Marshal, Fire Company, Police Officer, State Trooper or DEP official.
• Fire must be tended to at all times until it is completely extinguished.
• Burning without a permit is illegal.
• Burning after hours is illegal.
• Email completed form to: firemarshal@colchesterct.gov