Only residents living in approved areas can obtain a permit. Permits are conditional and may be revoked at any time.
How can I obtain a burn permit?
Review details for individual community fire departments for information about how to obtain a permit.
What Can I Burn?
Please only burn wood, wood by-products (cardboard, paper etc.) or leaves.
Do I Need a Permit
If you want to have an open-air fire (bonfire, fire pit etc.) then yes, you need an approved permit. If you are having a barbecue a permit is not required.
Who Do I Call Before Lighting a Fire?
ALL fires must be called into the the Washington County Communications Department at 402 426 6866.
81-520.01. Nebraska State Statue
(1) There shall be a statewide open burning ban on all bonfires, outdoor rubbish fires, and fires for the purpose of clearing land.
(2) The fire chief of a local fire department may waive an open burning ban under subsection (1) of this section for an area under the local fire department’s jurisdiction by issuing an open burning permit to a person requesting permission to conduct open burning. The permit issued by the fire chief to a person desiring to conduct open burning shall be in writing, signed by the fire chief, and on a form prescribed by the State Fire Marshal. The State Fire Marshal shall provide local fire departments with such forms.
(3) The fire chief of a local fire department may waive the open burning ban in the local fire department’s jurisdiction when conditions are acceptable to the chief. Anyone intending to burn in such jurisdiction when the open burning ban has been waived shall notify the fire chief of his or her intention to burn prior to starting the burn.
(4) The fire chief of a local fire department may adopt standards listing the conditions acceptable for issuing a permit.