Burn Permits

Burn Permits

Burn permits are obtained by scheduling a site inspection with the Auburn Fire Department. The site inspection will determine required distances, evaluate the conditions related to your specific burn and gather the necessary information for your specific burn request. The process and the permit are free of cost. Permits are valid for (30) days from the start date listed on the permit.

In order to request a site inspection or to ask further questions pertaining to burn permits, please contact us at
334-501-3231, extension 4.

"When do I need a permit?"

1. You do NOT need a burn permit when the fire is contained inside a device specifically manufactured for cooking.

Examples:

• Gas or charcoal grills
• Smokers and BBQ pits
• Outdoor pizza ovens
• Hibachi grills and portable camp stoves

2. A burn permit is NOT required for fires inside devices made for heating that utilize wood, vegetation, coal, propane, kerosene, or fuel oil.

Examples:

• Construction salamander heaters (kerosene/diesel torpedo heaters)
• Patio heaters
• Wood‑burning outdoor heating stoves
• Chimineas (used strictly for heat)
• Outdoor fireplace‑style heating units
• Fuel‑oil or coal heaters

3. A burn permit IS required if the fire is not inside a manufactured heating or cooking device.

Examples:

• Burn barrels (any type)
• Burning brush, limbs, leaves, or stumps
• Ground fire pits used to burn debris
• Bonfires or large recreational fires
• Any uncontained fire used for debris disposal

Requirements for Obtaining a Burn Permit:

1. The location of the burning must be 500 feet from the nearest occupied dwelling other than the dwelling located on the property on which the burning is conducted.
2. Burning is only allowed between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Material should not be added to the fire after 3:00 p.m.
3. Material being burned is restricted to natural vegetation and untreated wood only.
4. The fire must be attended at all times, until extinguished. The fire must be completely extinguished at the end of each day.
5. Burning is only allowed in the designated area where the site inspection was done.
6. You will not be allowed to burn during overcast or periods of rain.
7. You will not be allowed to burn during extremely dry or drought conditions.
8. Under no circumstance shall heavy oils, asphalt products, plastics, vinyl materials, insulation, paper, cardboard, natural or synthetic rubber, salvage or scrap, chemicals, garbage, treated or painted wood, or any trash be burned.

Special Considerations / Revoking Issued Permits

The Auburn Fire Department may impose additional conditions to cover specific open burning situations where additional controls or requirements are deemed necessary to minimize air pollution.

If deemed necessary, where open burning creates or adds to a hazardous situation, or a required permit for open burning has not been obtained, the fire code official is authorized to order the extinguishment of the open burning operation.