Fire wardens who are involved in a situation where they feel a ticket is an eventual next step should contact their Protection Forester to set up an orientation at their earliest convenience. Fire Wardens will be issued a ticket book and user guide following the orientation. Protection Forester Contacts
There is no size limit for materials. However, larger fuels can create increased smoke creating a public nuisance that could violate air pollution control laws. Fire wardens can limit size of fuels under the special conditions of the permit to kindle fire.
If “special written conditions” are written on the permit, they become part of the permit and are enforceable. Violation of the conditions of the permit would result in the permit being invalid, essentially the same as burning without a permit. A “Vermont Fire Prevention Ticket” could be issued for burning without a permit by the Fire Warden.
Examples of special conditions that could be written on the permit: Maximum wind speed, wind direction that would limit smoke to neighbors or embers toward structures, size of material, proximity to structures or other dry fuels, nighttime burning or not, other conditions from municipal ordinances. If “special written conditions” are written on the permit, they become part of the permit and are enforceable.
Yes, the Town Forest Fire Warden may write them on each permit as special conditions of the permit to kindle fire.
It is recommended to keep all records for at least 3 years. Records include: Permits to Kindle Fire, summary of interactions with public, enforcement actions, and illegal burns.
Issue permits for specific days and places to avoid problems. Do not exceed two or three days for a standing permit. Fire Wardens may set specific written conditions of the permission to burn. If “special written conditions” are written on the permit, they become part of the permit and are enforceable.
The Warden may choose to appoint a “Key Person.” A “Key Person” is designated to issue burn permits on behalf of and under the direction of the Town Forest Fire Warden. A “Key Person” card is available from the Wildland Fire Specialist for the District.
Permits can be issued verbally. However, by statute the Town Forest Fire Warden shall issue a written "Permit to Kindle" for record keeping purposes stating when and where such fire may be kindled within 12 hours of issuing the permit. A written permit that is signed by the permittee is the best practice.
Fire Wardens are not required to make a site visit for every permit issued to kindle fire. However, it is recommended that if Fire Wardens are not familiar with the person requesting a burn permit or the location where the burn will occur, they should visit the person at the burn site. If a large amount of burning in one location is being requested, they should also visit the site before issuing the permit. Fire Wardens can then set specific conditions to avoid risk of escape or smoke or related problems.
