Burn permits are required whenever you plan to burn piles of brush and/or leaves, such as when you are cleaning your yard.
- Same Day Permits Only: Open burn permits will only be issued on the day you request to burn, and only after 8:00 a.m.
- Weather-Dependent Approvals: The decision to issue a permit is based on Vermont's daily morning Fire Danger Ratings. Wardens evaluate wildland fuel conditions, recent weather, and fire risks each morning during non-snow periods.
- Active Fires: For any uncontrolled brush fires, wildfires, or fires threatening structures, dial 911 immediately.
- Violations: To report illegal burning or unattended fires, contact the Fire Chief / Warden.
The Bristol Fire Warden issues permits to burn natural wood products in accordance with the regulations set forth by the VT Department of Forest & Parks, however the VT DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation) has Air Pollution Control Regulations that dictate what materials can be burned.
Please read the information below to determine if you are required to obtain a "Burn Permit" prior to burning:There is no fee associated with burn permits, the purpose of a burn permit is to ensure that citizens are informed about the rules related to open burning in Bristol, and to inform the Fire Department as to when and where open burning - that may result in 911 calls from concerned neighbors or passing motorists, will occur.
Only natural wood may be burned. This includes the burning of; firewood, leaves, brush, deadwood, tree cuttings, weeds, untreated lumber (such as untreated shipping pallets).
The following is a short list of common items that are Illegal to burn:- Paper & cardboard
- Tires & other rubber products
- Treated, painted, or finished wood
- Tarpaper or asphalt shingles
- Plastics
- Garbage
- Ensure the location you select is a safe distance from any building, or overhead hazards
- Do not build your fire close to your property line
- Make sure you clear away any combustible materials within a 20' radius of your fire location
- Have a garden hose or other means for extinguishing the fire readily available
- Monitor the smoke from your fire, extinguish the fire if it is going towards your neighbor’s house
- Do Not leave your fire unattended
- Extinguish the fire before leaving, or going indoors for the night
- Campfires 36 inches in diameter or less that are built in stone arches, outdoor fireplaces, or existing fire rings at State recreational areas, other public recreational areas, or on private property; or
- Fires 36 inches in diameter or less built in a location that is 200 feet or more from any forestland, or field containing dry grass or other flammable plant materials contiguous to forestland.
Campfires, with clean firewood, do not generate the same smoke that burning brush and leaves do. Often when leaves are being burned, hot air currents from the fire will carry burning leaves away from the original fire, resulting in an unintended fire spreading out of control.
A permit to kindle a fire is required for:- Any fire more than 36" in diameter, regardless of material being burned.
- Whenever burning brush or leaves, even if less than 36" in diameter.
Bristol Fire Warden Directory & Permit Requests
For open burning permits, questions, or non-emergency burning inquiries, please contact Fire Chief / Warden Brett LaRose. If you do not receive a response within 4 hours, contact Deputy Fire Chief / Warden Eric Forand.
Primary Contact: Brett LaRose, Fire Chief / Warden
Direct Line: (802) 798-2673
Station Voicemail: (802) 453-3201 (Leave a detailed message)
Email: [email protected]
Secondary Contact: Eric Forand, Deputy Fire Chief / Warden
Direct Line: (802) 585-0633