Open Burning and Recreational Fires

The Difference:

 1.   Open Burning – burning of material where the resulting air contaminants are emitted directly into the air without first passing through a stack or chimney

 2.      Recreational Fire – small fire on the ground (open burning) conducted for recreation or ceremony maintained at less than three feet wide and two feet high

The Evansville Fire Department has the authority to override a permit if one of three conditions are met by our officers on scene:

1.      Fires MUST BE ATTENDED AT ALL TIMES THEY ARE LIT.

2.      The fire is impeding on a roadway or entering a neighboring residence.

3.      If the company officer feels that the fire is unsafe and could cause further damage to something or someone by leaving the fire.

Residents must obtain a permit to burn through the Evansville Climate Collaborative. Permits can be issued via email at no cost. Please give 48 hours’ notice by calling 812-435-6145 or email  climate@evansville.in.gov.    

Summary of Regulations

Open Burning Regulations             Recreational Fire Regulations

Useful Links

City of Evansville Municipal Code 16.05.200 Open Burning Regulations

https://www.codepublishing.com/IN/Evansville/#!/Evansville16/Evansville1605.html#16.05.200’