Daily Forest Fire Danger Report

Open burning is allowed in the Town of Litchfield for brush in certain situations. With the exception of burning in a grill or outdoor fireplace for cooking food or camping, 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 burn brush, a permit must be obtained from the Open Burning Official. This application can be obtained through the First Selectman’s Office at the Town Hall located at 74 West Street in Litchfield. (860) 567 7550.
The Permit is valid for the property owner, or agent of the owner, on -- and only on -- the owner's property. A Permit is valid for two weeks and for one burn only.

Guidelines for Open Burning Of Brush

• The homeowner 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. Brush is considered branches or cuttings (no leaves) fewer than three (3) inches in diameter. Anything larger is illegal to burn. ALL processed wood is illegal to burn regardless of placement in a barrel or otherwise.
• 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 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on a sunny to partly sunny day with a wind speed no less than 5 mph and no greater than 15 mph.
• 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 woodland or grassland adjacent to woodland.
• 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 Open Burning Official, Fire Marshal, Fire or Police Department Officer or any 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.

Burning without a Permit is considered a criminal act and may be punishable by fine or arrest. The Burning Official may revoke any permit or add conditions if circumstances indicate.