Frequently asked questions

What is BeforeYouBurn?

BeforeYouBurn is a free service that tells you whether outdoor burning is allowed at your address, and why. It brings together the rules of every fire and air-quality agency that covers your location. You can also register a burn and check in on the day, so your fire agency knows where burns are expected.

Does it cost anything?

No. Checking the status and registering a burn are always free. There is no subscription. Some agencies charge for their own burn permits; that fee goes to the agency.

Do I need an account to check the status?

No. Anyone can check the status of an address without signing in. You only sign in when you register a burn, check in, or choose to get messages. Signing in uses a code sent to your phone or email; there is no password.

How do I check if I can burn today?

Enter your address or town on the home page, or use your location in the app. You get one answer for that place: Allowed, Not allowed, Contact agency or Unknown. The page also shows the reason and your fire agency's contact.

Why does it say I cannot burn when my neighbor says it is open?

Rules depend on the exact location. Your property and your neighbor's can be covered by different agencies, or by different zones of the same agency. Burning can also close during the day. Check your own address, right before you burn.

What does "Contact agency" mean?

The agency that covers your address asks you to contact it before burning there. It may issue its own permits or want to talk to you first. Call or visit the agency shown on the page. You cannot register online for that place.

Why does it say "Unknown"?

We could not confirm the rules for that place. Usually an agency that covers it has not set up its rules on BeforeYouBurn yet. Unknown never means you can burn. Call the agency shown on the page.

Is a registration the same as permission to burn?

No. A registration tells your fire agency your plans. Permission is always the status at the moment you burn. That is why you check in on the day: you can only check in when burning is Allowed.

What if burning closes after I register?

Do not burn. Your registration stays visible to your fire agency, marked as a possible burn during a closure. Where we can, we send you a "do not burn" message. Messages are a courtesy and can be late, so always check the status yourself.

What if I decide not to burn?

Tell us. Cancel the registration before the day, or say "I'm not burning" on the day. Otherwise your agency may count it as a likely burn.

What kinds of burning does it cover?

Debris burning (yard waste and brush) is the most common. Agencies can also set rules for other kinds, such as agricultural burning, and each kind can have a different answer at the same time. If your kind of burning is not listed, contact your fire agency.

Can I get alerts when the status changes?

Yes. You can choose text messages, email or app notifications about your burns and closures where you live. You can stop at any time. See SMS terms and the help article on text messages.

Who sees my information?

You see everything about your own burns. The fire and response agencies that cover your burn's location see your name, contact details and burn location so they can respond, and only for their area. You agree to this when you register. Other residents and the public never see your name or where you burn; only totals and maps of general activity. State agencies get totals, not your details, unless they act as a response agency for your area. Read the privacy policy.

How do I delete my account?

You can delete your account yourself from your account page. Your sign-in details and contact information are removed. Burn records that agencies must keep are kept without your name and contact details. If you have a burn today or later, your contact details stay with that burn until the day is over, so responders can reach you. See your account.

Is BeforeYouBurn available in Spanish?

Yes. Every page residents use is in English and Spanish. Use the language link at the top of any page.

Is BeforeYouBurn a government website?

No. BeforeYouBurn is run by Public Fire Safety, LLC. The rules it shows come from the fire and air-quality agencies that cover your location. We never open or close burning ourselves.

Who do I contact about my burn status?

Your fire agency. The status page shows who covers your address and how to reach them. In an emergency, call 911. For help with BeforeYouBurn itself, see Contact.