Open Burning is regulated by the Utah Division of Air Quality (DAQ) and is a source of air pollution. There are statewide rules in place that regulate open burning activities to help minimize emissions and ensure that the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQX) are met. Modifications to burning rules occurred in 2013 and were issued by Utah State Division of Air Quality. These changes include a statewide requirement to obtain a Utah Division of Air Quality's online Open Burn Permit Application.

There are three types of burning.
(Open, Agricultural, & Recreational):

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."

The Utah Division of Air Quality's Online Open Burn Permit Application MUST be completed and issued by the DAQ before burning.

Click to access the Burn Permit Application.
The Airshed Clearing Index must be above 500 to obtain a burn permit.

Click to view the Airshed Clearing Index.
(Clearing index by airshed tab)

Once a permit is obtained, the clearing index must be above 500 (we are airshed 5)

• When burning is not on the same day the permit is issued or the permit is for more than one day, the applicant must notify Dispatch [801 525-2806]on each burning day.
• Open Burn Permits will be issued for two (2) weeks and are valid only on the lands specified in the permit.
• ​Permit is required to be on-site at the time of the burn with a person(s) monitoring 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 Rules: 

• The Clearing index must be 500 or greater (Check the link above, Airshed 5)
• A DAQ Permit must be obtained and the permit must be on site
• Burn in small piles (3' diameter x 2' high)
• Burning must be 50 feet from any structure
• Fires must be constantly attended to (Responsible adult)
• Method of extinguishment must be on site, such as garden hose connected to the water source; fire extinguisher with a 4A rating; shovels and buckets.
• NO burning of waste material, trash, or material that may cause severe pollution.
• ​The use of accelerants is prohibited. (NO gasoline, kerosene, lacquer, or other petroleum products)

Agricultural Burning:

Agricultural burning is defined by the Utah State Code 11-7-1(2) as:

“..the burning of irrigation ditches, fields, or fence lines.” Utah State Tax Code 59-2-503 defines agricultural land as; "Land being over 5 acres in size used for agricultural purpose. 

To qualify for Agricultural Burning, you MUST:

• Have land zoned as agricultural land. 
• Have agricultural land over 5 acres in size AND used for any of these purposes: 
• Land used for farming and crop production. ​
• Land used for livestock grazing.
• Ditch banks associated with farmland or crop production areas. 
• Open fields

 Agricultural burning does not require a burn permit and does not need to observe the clearing index of 500. It is strongly encouraged that the agricultural community observes the 500-clearing index. Agriculture burning can burn ditch banks, fence lines, stubble, and open grazing land. It is required to notify the North Davis Fire District Fire Marshal, Theron Williams, and the Davis County Fire Warden, Robert Sanders.

Please call or email before any Agriculture burning is done.

·        Fire Marshal Office 801 525-2850 ex103 mrawlings@northdavisfireut.gov 

·        Davis County Fire Warden Robert Sanders 801 618-9400 rsanders@utah.gov

For further information or assistance, please contact the North Davis Fire District Fire Prevention Office

at 801 525-2850 or visit https://www.northdavisfiredistrict.com/

If your property does not meet these qualifications, please follow the guidelines for OPEN BURNING listed above.

Recreational Burning:

The DAQ rules governing permissible recreation burning can be found in the Utah Administrative Code (UAC) R307-202-6. This Rule allows open burning without a permit when NOT prohibited by other local, state, or federal laws and regulations: 

"Preparing food, controlled fires for recreational purposes, indoor fireplaces and residential solid fuel devices (exceptions UAC 307-202-2)."

Recreational Burning:

• Devices for the primary purpose of preparing food, such as outdoor grills and fireplaces.
• Campfires & Fires used solely for recreational purposes where such fires are under control.
• Attended by a responsible person, 18 years or older
• Approved fire rings; firepits (3 feet diameter)
• Area clear of any debris or overhanging branches
• 25 feet from a structure or combustible materials
• Only clean, dry wood or charcoal NO waste or trash
• An immediate source of extinguishment is available

Indoor fireplaces and residential solid fuel burning devices except as provided in UAC R307-302-2

NOTE: If smoke is offensive to occupants of surrounding property, or the fire is determined to be hazardous, the fire then becomes a public nuisance and must be extinguished.