What are the Rules for Opening Burning?

• • City residents are allowed to have backyard fires for RECREATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.
  • Only CLEAN, DRY WOOD can be burned. Backyard fires cannot be used for disposal. 
  • Material not allowed:
    • Painted, treated, or wet wood. 
    • Trash or other waste, including paper or cardboard.
    • Leaves, grass, pine needles, or other yard waste.
    • Tree stumps or root balls.
  • Fires may be no wider than three feet wide by two feet high (3'x2').
  • Fires MUST BE ATTENDED AT ALL TIMES THEY ARE LIT. Do not leave a smoking fire, as they can reignite.
  • A method to extinguish the fire must be on hand with the fire is lit. A hose, sand, or fire extinguisher are all acceptable methods of fire control.
  • Burning during air quality alerts, high winds, burn bans, or other adverse environmental conditions is prohibited. Please check the weather and air quality conditions and with the local fire department about burn bans.
  • 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. 812-435-6145 or climate@evansville.in.gov. 

                    Open Burning Regulations             Recreational Fire Regulations