Open Burning Rules

Introduction

“Open Burning” means the burning of any material wherein the products of combustion are emitted directly into the ambient air without passing through a stack or chimney from an enclosed container. The use of portable fireplaces and fire pits is considered open burning. 

When is a burn permit required? 

Permits are required for all open burning within the City of Lebanon including fire pits. Open burning may be suspended by the State of NH Division of Forest and Lands or by the Lebanon Fire Chief when the fire danger is predicted to be a Class 3 or greater. The fire danger rating for the day can be checked via the following website: nh.gov/nhdfl/community/daily-fire-danger.htm

Where do I obtain a burn permit?

The City of Lebanon Fire Department has agreed to participate in the State of New Hampshire Division of Forest and Lands Online Burn Permitting System. 

Please see: Where do I get a burn permit?

Category I Fire Permit: means a small controlled fire, such as a camp or cooking fire, not greater than 2 feet in diameter contained within a ring of fire resistive material or in a portable fireplace. The fire shall be at least 25 feet from any structure. A Category I fire, conditions permitting, may be kindled with a permit at any time of day whether raining or not.

Category II Fire Permit: means a controlled fire, such as a camp or cooking fire, no greater than 4 feet in diameter contained within a ring of fire resistive material or in a portable fireplace. The fire shall be at least 50 feet from any structure. A category II fire permit, conditions permitting, may only be kindled with a permit between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. unless it is actually raining.

Category III Fire Permit: means any other fire, not a category I or II fire or a fire greater than 4 feet in diameter or a fire not contained within a ring of fire-resistive material. The fire shall be at least 50 feet from any structure. A category III fire, conditions permitting, may only be kindled with a permit between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. unless it is actually raining.

What can be burned? 

Only clean, untreated wood and brush can be burned. Wood and brush cannot be larger than 5 inches in diameter.

What items cannot be burned? 

Combustible domestic waste as defined by NH RSA-125N, including but not limited to: household trash; packing material; plastic; coated or laminated paper; rubber; painted or treated wood; coated or treated cardboard; oily rags; animal, vegetable and cooking waste; treated wood or composite materials. 

For more information about obtaining an open burn permit, please contact the Lebanon Fire Department at 603-448-8810.