Open Burning Season Begins January 15, 2019

The Rehoboth Fire Department began issuing permits for open burning during hours of 9am to 12pm on January 14, 2019. Burning season began January 15, 2019 and runs through May 1, 2019. Please be cognizant of the rules and regulations for open burning as there have been some changes for 2019.

• You must come to Fire Headquarters and obtain a permit before you can burn. Hours are 9am to 12pm seven days a week including holidays.
• You MUST call 508-252-3725 each day you wish to burn between 9am and 12 pm to obtain permission. Have your permit number and address readily available. No calls are answered before 9am. Please be sure to use a land line phone or a cell phone with a strong signal.
• You may only burn cut and piled brush that has not been accumulated from a commercial operation. Burning of any other debris other than brush will result in the revocation of your permit. The burning of leaves is not allowed.
• All fires must be extinguished by 4pm. This will be strictly enforced. Be sure to only ignite piles that can be completed by 4pm.
• Construct piles a minimum of 75 to 100 feet from the nearest structure and in an area where smoke will not be a nuisance to neighbors or roadways.
• Please keep in mind there are State guidelines that determine whether or not burning will be allowed and the State decides daily on whether burning will be allowed. Our call takers do not make that decision and cannot reverse it.

If at any time, you feel your fire may be getting out of control, do not hesitate to call 911 and ask the fire department to respond. A fire can double in size every minute and delaying the response can result in damage to property and structures.

If you have any questions or concerns about how to burn legally and safely, please call us at 508-252-3725.