Permits for open burning will be issued from March 15 to April 30 2016; Recreational fires are allowed year-round.
The term “Recreational Fire” is the burning of materials other than rubbish with the total fuel area 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height used for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, or cooking purposes. Recreational fires do not require a permit but must be extinguished at the request of fire officials if they are deemed a nuisance.
• Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible materials. Chimeneas and portable fire pits are allowed a closer proximity to combustibles but we ask that they not be placed on wooden or synthetic decking.
• Fire pits shall be lined and are to be kept clean of coals and ashes.
• Water bucket, shovel, and garden hose – or a fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating shall be readily available.
• A person knowledgeable in the use of the fire-extinguishing equipment shall constantly attend recreational fires.
• An attendant that is alert at all times shall supervise a recreational fire until such fire has been completely extinguished.
Open burning is a source of air pollution that is regulated by the Utah Division of Air Quality (DAQ). There are statewide rules in place that regulate open burning activities.Recent modifications to these rules change the open burn periods and include a statewide requirement to obtain a DAQ Online Open Burn Permit Application prior to burning.
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, provided that the following conditions have been met: The clearing index is 500 or greater. The clearing index is a measure of the atmospheric mixing and wind speed. A clearing index less than 500 is considered poor atmospheric conditions and a permit will not be issued.
The Utah Division of Air Quality’s online Open Burn Permit Application must be completed, a valid permit number issued by the DAQ.
To begin a burn permit application, go to www.cachecounty.org/fire Permits may be issued between March 30 and May 30 and between September 15 and October 30 for residential open burning.
Applicants statewide are required to complete the Utah Division of Air Quality Open Burn Permit Application prior to igniting and open burn. After the application is completed and submitted, a copy is sent electronically to the appropriate Fire Department in Cache County.
The online open burn permit application program checks to see if there is an active open burn window and checks the clearing index to see if it is forecast to be above 500. If there is not an open burn window or if the clearing index is forecast to be below 500, the program will not allow a person to complete the application.
An open burn permit application is required for each separate burn. 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. Open burning may be prohibited in some areas of the state.
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.
If your fire extends beyond your control you should immediately call the fire department at 911.