Note: You will need to submit a photo with your online request (see below)
BURN PERMITS AND CAMPFIRES – WHEN TO NOTIFY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
First, we ask that all residents determine if they have a campfire or brush pile based on the criteria listed below.
APPROVAL TO BURN IS ONLY GOOD FOR THE DAY IT IS ISSUED~ A NEW REQUEST MUST BE MADE EACH DAY YOU WISH TO BURN
WHAT QUALIFIES AS A CAMPFIRE?
A campfire meets the following criteria:
Allowable Materials:
Small brush (under two inches (2”) in diameter)
Untreated dimensional lumber or pallets
Small firewood
Artificial logs
WHAT QUALIFIES FOR A BURN PERMIT?
Beginning January 1, 2021 the Williston Fire Department changed to an online burn permit system. This system allows residents to obtain a burn permit in a timely and efficient manner, while still ensuring fire safety. Please read the information below then use the link at the top of this page (or below, under 'How to Request a Burn Permit') to go to the new burn permit site. If you have further questions, please use our contact form on the home page. If you are unable to fill out a permit online, please call the station (878-5622) the morning that you wish to burn.
The WFD distinguishes between a campfire and a brush pile based on size, allowable materials, and enclosure requirements. A brush pile must be pre-approved, with a burn permit issued, prior to burning. There is no cost to request or be issued a burn permit.
Requirements to be Met Before Being Issued a Burn Permit:
Allowable Materials:
Brush only (including sticks, twigs, limbs and small trees) no larger than four inches (4”) in diameter.
How to Request a Burn Permit:
Click >here or on the button at the top of this page to submit an online request.
You will need to submit a photo of the site and materials to be burned.
Once received, your request will be reviewed and you will be notified via email of your approval or denial.
Please Note: It is our goal to promptly respond to any request however, emergency calls may cause some delay. We appreciate your patience during those times. If you have not heard from us within an hour of submitting your request, please call the station (878-5622) for an update.
RESTRICTIONS:
Permission to burn may or may not be issued at the discretion of the Department Officer. Reasons for not allowing a burn include, but are not limited to, the following situations:
For any type of fire, all materials burned must comply with the requirements established by the Town of Williston including allowable materials listed above and the following:
Prohibited Materials:
Brush over two inches (2”) in diameter for a campfire
Brush over four inches (4") in diameter for a burn pile
Construction debris
Garbage
Household fixtures, furniture, or bedding
Leaves
Paper, books, and magazines
Pressure-treated lumber
Roof shingles
Stumps
Tires
Treated dimensional lumber or pallets
Any other material that does not conform to normal or allowable campfire materials.
Prohibited Activity:
Using accelerants (oils, waste oil, gasoline, diesel fuel, etc.) to either start, accelerate or prolong the burn.
Please visit the Vermont Statutes, Title 10 Conservation and Development, Chapter 83 Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, § 2645 Open burning; permits >here for more information.
AS A COURTESY, PLEASE NOTIFY ANYONE NEARBY OF YOUR INTENT TO BURN - YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR FIRE AND ITS SMOKE
First, we ask that all residents determine if they have a campfire or brush pile based on the criteria listed below.
- You do not need to contact the Fire Department for a campfire.
- You do need to obtain a burn permit for a brush pile, which can now be requested online.
- If you cannot submit an online burn permit request, please call the station (878-5622) the morning you wish to burn.
APPROVAL TO BURN IS ONLY GOOD FOR THE DAY IT IS ISSUED~ A NEW REQUEST MUST BE MADE EACH DAY YOU WISH TO BURN
WHAT QUALIFIES AS A CAMPFIRE?
A campfire meets the following criteria:
- The campfire must be intended for personal recreation in a residential setting (versus land clearing or construction sites).
- The campfire must be at least twelve feet (12’) from structures, buildings and overhangs.
- The campfire must be no larger than four feet (4’) in diameter and must be outlined (i.e. with cinder blocks, large rocks, or fire-rated pavers) or be confined within an outdoor fire kettle, bowl, chimenea, or other fire-rated container made specifically for burning campfire material.
- Materials must fit within the diameter of the enclosure or container. If a lid is provided with a container, it is recommended that it be used at all times while burning.
- A hose or water source must be present and able to surround the entire burn site.
- The campfire must be attended at all times until extinguished.
- Campfires can occur on any day or night of the week and can be burned after dusk.
Allowable Materials:
Small brush (under two inches (2”) in diameter)
Untreated dimensional lumber or pallets
Small firewood
Artificial logs
WHAT QUALIFIES FOR A BURN PERMIT?
Beginning January 1, 2021 the Williston Fire Department changed to an online burn permit system. This system allows residents to obtain a burn permit in a timely and efficient manner, while still ensuring fire safety. Please read the information below then use the link at the top of this page (or below, under 'How to Request a Burn Permit') to go to the new burn permit site. If you have further questions, please use our contact form on the home page. If you are unable to fill out a permit online, please call the station (878-5622) the morning that you wish to burn.
The WFD distinguishes between a campfire and a brush pile based on size, allowable materials, and enclosure requirements. A brush pile must be pre-approved, with a burn permit issued, prior to burning. There is no cost to request or be issued a burn permit.
Requirements to be Met Before Being Issued a Burn Permit:
- The person who wishes to burn must be the property owner or have been granted full access and permission to burn from the owner(s) and they accept full liability for doing so.
- Wind must be below four (4) miles per hour to issue a permit. If wind speed or gusts exceed three (3) mph at any time during the burn, the fire must immediately be put out.
- A water source, under pressure, must be available and able to surround the entire burn pile.
- The fire must be attended at all times.
- Burn permits can be issued any day of the week, but all fires must be completely extinguished by dusk.
Allowable Materials:
Brush only (including sticks, twigs, limbs and small trees) no larger than four inches (4”) in diameter.
How to Request a Burn Permit:
Click >here or on the button at the top of this page to submit an online request.
You will need to submit a photo of the site and materials to be burned.
- The picture should clearly show the requirements above are being met and what is being burned.
- We recommend you use your phone to take your picture and to submit your online request.
Once received, your request will be reviewed and you will be notified via email of your approval or denial.
Please Note: It is our goal to promptly respond to any request however, emergency calls may cause some delay. We appreciate your patience during those times. If you have not heard from us within an hour of submitting your request, please call the station (878-5622) for an update.
RESTRICTIONS:
Permission to burn may or may not be issued at the discretion of the Department Officer. Reasons for not allowing a burn include, but are not limited to, the following situations:
- The requirements listed above are not met.
- Burn restrictions issued by the Fire Warden.
- Advisory warning(s) issued by the National Weather Service.
- Extended periods of drought or high temperatures.
- Conditions at the burn site that are cause for concern (i.e. nearby structures, debris piles, etc.).
For any type of fire, all materials burned must comply with the requirements established by the Town of Williston including allowable materials listed above and the following:
Prohibited Materials:
Brush over two inches (2”) in diameter for a campfire
Brush over four inches (4") in diameter for a burn pile
Construction debris
Garbage
Household fixtures, furniture, or bedding
Leaves
Paper, books, and magazines
Pressure-treated lumber
Roof shingles
Stumps
Tires
Treated dimensional lumber or pallets
Any other material that does not conform to normal or allowable campfire materials.
Prohibited Activity:
Using accelerants (oils, waste oil, gasoline, diesel fuel, etc.) to either start, accelerate or prolong the burn.
Please visit the Vermont Statutes, Title 10 Conservation and Development, Chapter 83 Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, § 2645 Open burning; permits >here for more information.
AS A COURTESY, PLEASE NOTIFY ANYONE NEARBY OF YOUR INTENT TO BURN - YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR FIRE AND ITS SMOKE