This time of year we see an increase in brush fires throughout the state.
This is often caused due to the dry conditions and gusty winds that we experience in the early spring. The ground dries out very quickly because of the lack of leaves on the trees. There are a few things you should know before you start that campfire in your back yard.
So what is “open burning?”
Open burning is defined as the burning of any matter in such a manner that the products of combustion resulting from the burning are emitted directly into the ambient air without passing through a stack or flue.
Recreational fires as defined by Seymour Town Ordinances are outside fire created for the purpose of experiencing the outside natural environment, for the human consumption of beverages or food and the cooking or smoking of food for human consumption and ceremonial purposes.
You do not need a permit to have a campfire in Seymour. However you do need a permit for bonfires, ceremonial fires, or the burning of brush.
Other municipalities may have laws that prohibit all open burning. Check with your local fire marshal before burning anything.
Camp fires are okay in Seymour as long as a few requirements are met. The fire danger must be either LOW or MODERATE. A recreational fire shall not be burned if the conditions are HIGH or above.
The fire must be supervised by someone at least 14 years old and some type of means to extinguish the fire must be present. The fire shall be contained either by fire pit or a recreational fire appliance.
The fire shall not create a nuisance to neighbors. It is very often a good idea to let your neighbors know that you are having a campfire.
Recreational fires shall not be burned for more than three days in a row.
Members of the Fire Marshal’s Office, Open Burning Officials, Fire Department Incident Commanders, and police may order you to extinguish the fire if they believe these conditions are not being met.
The burning of brush in Seymour is governed by the Open Burning Officials of the Town. Permits are required and certain additional requirements are involved. This burning must comply with the state of Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) regulations.
THE BURNING OF LEAVES IS NEVER ALLOWED!
For more information:
You may call the Seymour Fire Marshal’s Office at (203) 881‑5010 or visit our Facebook page for additional information.
