About Outdoor Burning

Permits for Open Burning

Open burning of any kind is strictly regulated by Connecticut law. A written "burn permit" must first be obtained before any resident of Connecticut can kindle an outside fire for the purpose of disposing of brush and similar vegetation. Residents of Tolland should be aware of the following restrictions and procedures.

What Can Be Burned?

Residents may only burn brush and similar vegetation. Due to weather conditions, all burning may be prohibited at some times.

What Can Not Be Burned?

Residents may not burn leaves, grass clippings, stumps, garbage, household waste, tires, construction debris and trash of any description.

Where Can A Burning Permit Be Obtained?

Burn permits are issued by a Tolland Public Safety Officer (they are the town's designated Local Open Burning Officials) at Tolland Fire Department station #2, 3 Rhodes Road (at the intersection with Merrow Road) weekdays between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. There is no charge for a permit.

Permit Restrictions

All burn permits are issued subject to the following restrictions and conditions:

1. Open burning of brush and similar vegetation is limited to the residential property upon which the permittee actually resides. Neighbors should be advised of the burning beforehand to prevent unwarranted calls to the fire department.
2. The permittee must take all reasonable steps to limit excessive smoke and promote complete combustion of the material being burned. Burning in barrels is not permitted.
3. The area surrounding the burn should first be wet down, or other steps taken to limit the possible spread of the burn. A source of water for extinguishment should be provided in the event the fire unexpectedly increases in size. Burning must be attended at all times.
4. The written permit must be available for inspection at the site during the actual burn.
5. Burning shall only take place between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on a sunny or partly sunny day when the wind does not exceed 15 m.p.h. All burning may be prohibited on days when atmospheric conditions create an increased danger of brush and forest fires.
6. Before igniting a fire, the permittee must call and obtain final verbal approval by telephone from the Tolland County Mutual Aid Dispatch Center. The administrative phone number of the dispatch center will be listed on the permit. Do not call 911 for this approval.
7. Burning shall be stopped immediately upon the order of the Tolland Fire Marshal, any fire department officer, or any officer of the state Department of Environmental Protection.