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Kentucky Open Burn Laws and Regulations

Open burning is any open flame in the environment.

LEARN BEFORE YOU BURN

Some open burning is legal, with restrictions. But many materials are illegal to burn. The Division for Air Quality can impose fines of up to $25,000 per day per violation of the law. It pays to learn before you burn!

OPEN BURNING FACTS

Air pollution from open burning can cause •asthma •emphysema •heart attacks •birth defects •nervous system damage •other health problems. Children and the elderly are especially sensitive to the air pollution from open burning.

WHY IS IT BETTER TO SEND YOUR TRASH TO A LANDFILL?

Backyard burn barrels and woodstoves produce low temperature fires. Burning trash at low temperatures produces a lot of smoke and releases many toxic.

pollutants like dioxin/furans. EPA has shown that open burning of garbage is the largest source of dioxins in the nation. Dioxin/furans have been linked to cancer in humans. Dioxin/furans from open burning end up in our water and soil. They accumulate in animal tissue and enter our food supply, especially in meat and dairy.

ILLEGAL OPEN BURNING

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Agriculture

Animal Bedding, Hay, Muck Piles (horse manure/hay).

Construction

Asbestos Materials, Buildings (houses, barns and garages), Construction Debris, Demolition Debris, Renovation Debris, Drywall, Shingles.

Household Garbage

Animal or Vegetable, Plastic, Cans, Glass

Wood Materials

Fence Posts, Pallets, Sawdust, Wood Chips and Shavings, Wood Mulch, Painted, Stained, or Pressure-Treated Wood.

Miscellaneous

Chemical Containers, Coated Wire, Insulated Wire, Rubber, Tires, Used Oil, Motor Oil, Industrial, Business, School, Church and Farm Waste.

LEGAL OPEN BURNING

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Agriculture

Plant Beds, Tobacco Curing andAnimal Carcasses (disease control).

Land Management

Leaves (check local laws), Natural Growth from Land Clearing, Tree Limbs Felled by Storms, Weeds and Natural Land Management.

Construction Sites

Warming Fires (clean lumber only).

Miscellaneous

Camp Fires, Ceremonial Bonfires, Cooking, Fire Training and Household Paper Products.

RESTRICTIONS

• When a fire emergency is declared, ALL open burning is prohibited.

• During fire hazard season, burning within 150 feet of any woodland area is allowed only between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.

• From May-September, open burning is restricted in counties that have been designated nonattainment for ozone and particulate matter.

• Do not burn within 50 feet of any structure.

• Do not burn near landfills.

• Do not burn near streams or sinkholes.

• Do not burn near utility lines.

If you are unsure of a rule or regulation please contact us for further information.