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Open Burning/Burn Permit

Open burning is limited to the burning of brush only which is defined as shrubs, vegetation or prunings, the diameter of which is not greater than three inches at the widest point. Leaves and grass are not considered brush. Open burning is not allowed for the purpose of clearing land, or for the disposal of construction debris or household trash. Please visit CT DEEP’s Construction & Demolition Waste or the Composting & Organics Recycling web pages for more information.

Burning must not take place when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is predicted to be Unhealthy to Sensitive Groups, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy or the Forest Fire Danger Level is identified by DEEP as high, very high, or extreme. The burning must cease if so directed by any Officer of the Fire or Police Department, any official of the Health Department, or CT DEEP. All reasonable safety precautions are to be taken including but not limited: to the clearing of grass and trees from the burning area, and wetting down of the surrounding area, and placement of fire extinguishers and hose lines.

  • During the burn:
    • All reasonable measures to assure complete combustion and reduce excessive smoke are to be taken.
    • At no time during the burn should the fire be left unattended.
    • The permit must be available on site during the burn.
    • Burning may not create a nuisance to nearby properties.
    • Burning may only be conducted between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on a sunny or partly sunny day with the wind speed between 5 and 15 miles per hour. 
  • Completion of the burn period:
    • the burn pile must be completely extinguished by 5 p.m.
    • all embers and coals must be extinguished and wetted, so as to prevent smoldering and fugitive ash emissions.

Open Burning/Burn Permit Application is available by clicking here. Completed application should be submitted to the Fire Marshal’s office with a $15 fee payable to the Town of Wilton. Permits are valid for a period seven days. Failure to adhere to the conditions of the permit may result in penalties and/or enforcement actions.