What to know about having bonfires around Vermont

For many people, summer isn't complete without a bonfire or two. However, before you gather kindling for a backyard bonfire, know how to keep Vermont safe and enjoy summer nights without breaking laws or putting those around you at risk.

Are bonfires safe right now?

The safety of outdoor fires greatly depends on the weather conditions. Last summer, when Vermont saw less rain, it was riskier to hold bonfires because the landscape was so dry and fire could catch and spread quickly. This year Vermont has seen more rain, and the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation's wildfire risk map currently reads as low risk for all regions of the state.

Where are bonfires allowed?

In Vermont, open burning is permitted on personal property for disposing of weeds, brush, and leaves, as well as campfires and barbecues, and wooden bonfires on "festive occasions," according to the Agency of Natural Resources. However, it is important to check with town ordinances and regulations as some towns have different rules.

In Burlington, open fires are not permitted within city limits, according to the Burlington Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Department. This includes all city parks and beaches. However, other parks in the state do welcome small outdoor fires.

Vermont State Parks are safe places for outdoor fires throughout the state. The park system allows fires in fireplaces, fire rings, and charcoal grills at designated camping and picnic areas and under supervision, according to the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation's Rules and Regulations for state parks.

It is illegal in Vermont to burn garbage, cardboard, painted wood, paper, tires and rubber, plastics, and asphalt in open fires, according to the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. These materials contribute to air pollution and can cause health issues such as respiratory diseases, in those around the burning. Around 7-9% of any open-air burning becomes air pollution, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation, and the materials burned can make this pollution even worse.

"No matter what correct burning can be a nuisance to others," Dave Shepard with the Department of Environmental Conservation said.

The Department of Environmental Conservation asks that anyone seeking to have an open air fire seeks a permit from the local Fire Warden in the area if it's a large amount of material, Shepard said.

The department wants to ensure clean air quality within the state to maintain the safety and health of citizens, according to a May 2000 pamphlet on "Backyard Burning:" Factsheet (vermont.gov).

For further questions about bonfires around Vermont contact the Air Quality and Climate Division of the Department of Environmental Conservation at (802)828-1288 and at Backyard Burning | Department of Environmental Conservation (vermont.gov). A directory of fire wardens in the state can be found here: Forests, Parks and Recreation (vt.gov).

Kate O'Farrell is a reporter for the Burlington Free Press. You can contact her at KOFarrell@freepressmedia.com.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: VT open burning and bonfire rules and safety right now