Burn Permits & Agricultural Burning

The Open Burn Period is:

Burning Regulations

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Open burning is  regulated by the Utah Division of Air Quality (DAQ) and is a source of air pollution. There are statewide rules in place that regulate open burning activities to help minimize emissions and ensure that the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) are met. Modifications to burning rules occurred in 2013 and were issued by Utah State Division of Air Quality.  These changes include a statewide requirement to obtain a Utah Division of Air Quality’s online Open Burn Permit Application.

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There are two types of burning: Open Burning and Agricultural Burning.

OPEN BURNING:

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Permits

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The DAQ rules governing open burning can be found in the Utah Administrative Code (UAC) R307-202. This rule allows open burning of: clippings, bushes, plants and pruning’s from trees incident to property and residential clean-up activities.

Permits may be issued (if approved by the state forester) for open burning of yard cleanup activities:

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• March 30 through May 30

• September 15 through October 30 

The Utah Division of Air Quality’s online Open Burn Permit Application must be completed, and issued by the DAQ prior to burning.

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The open burn permit application can be completed online by visiting the following link:

https://air.utah.gov/OpenBurning/form/index.php

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After the application is completed and submitted, a copy is sent electronically to Weber Fire District.

A Fire Marshal signature is NOT required.

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The online open burn permit application program will not allow an applicant to complete the application, if it is not during an open burn window or if the clearing index is forecast to be below 500 (we are Airshed 5). You may check the Airshed Clearing Index by visiting the following link:

https://www.weather.gov/slc/ClearingIndex

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An open burn permit will be issued for a two (2) week period. An open burn permit is valid only on the lands specified in the permit and is required to be on site at the time of the burn. All materials to be burned must be clearly described and quantified in the application. Applicants must be aware of any and all local, state and federal rules and regulations applicable to their area.

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If completing the open burn permit application online is not an option, a hard copy of the application may be completed and submitted by mail to the DAQ for electronic processing. To request a hard copy of the open burn permit application, contact the DAQ by phone at (801) 536-4000. Please note: it may take up to 14 days from the date of request to receive an open burn permit if a hard copy is submitted for processing.

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Open Burning Rules:

• The clearing index must be 500 or greater.

• A DAQ Permit must be obtained and printed permit must be on site.

• Burn in small piles.

• Burning must be 50 feet from any structure.

• Fires must be constantly attended.

• Method of extinguishment must be on site, such as: garden hose connected to water source; fire extinguisher with a 4A rating; shovels and buckets.

Please remember that if the smoke emissions are offensive to occupants of surrounding property, or the fire is determined to be hazardous, the fire then becomes a public nuisance and must be extinguished.

Agricultural Burning:

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Agricultural burning is defined by the Utah State Code 11-7-1(2) as: “..the burning of irrigation ditches, fields or fence lines.”  Utah State Tax Code 59-2-503 defines agriculture land as that land being over 5 acres in size used for agricultural purposes.

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To qualify for agricultural burning you MUST:

• Have land zoned as agricultural land.

• Have agricultural land over 5 acres in size and used for any of the purposes below:

• Land used for farming and crop production.

• Land used for livestock grazing.

• Ditch banks associated with farmland or crop production areas.

• Open fields.

If your property does not meet these qualifications, please follow the guidelines for OPEN BURNING listed above.

We ask that you contact Weber Fire District prior to agricultural burning at 801-782-3580 ext. 206.

All burning may be restricted by the State Forester or Fire Wardens if environmental conditions become hazardous.

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NOTE: FIRE OFFICERS ARE AUTHORIZED TO EXTINGUISH OR CAUSE TO BE EXTINGUISHED ANY FIRE THAT CREATES A HAZARDOUS CONDITION OR A NUISANCE.

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For questions, please contact Captain/Fire Warden Cooper – 801-782-3580 ext. 206 – rcooper@weberfd.com