DEQ monitors daily air quality and weather conditions throughout the state to evaluate whether outdoor open burning should be limited to protect public health. Local ordinances may also restrict or prohibit open burning due to air quality or fire safety conditions.
If you live within the boundaries of an Indian reservation, check with your tribal air quality office before burning.
Unless a burn ban is in effect or other restrictions apply, outdoor open burning of the following allowed materials may proceed:
Allowed
- Residential yard waste (e.g., weeds, leaves, brush, yard clippings)
- Recreational fires (e.g., campfires, ceremonial fires, backyard fire pits)
- Weed control along fence lines, ditch banks, and rock piles
- Orchard clippings on the property where they were generated
- Landfill disposal site burning
- Prescribed fire, including slash piles
- Crop residue burning on fields where the crops were grown
- Training fires for fire department and land managers (additional requirements outlined in the dropdown below)
Prohibited
- Garbage from food preparation
- Plastics
- Dead animals or animal waste
- Materials from vehicles such as junk motor vehicles or parts, tires, and other rubber material
- Construction material such as asphaltic materials, tar and petroleum materials, paints, treated wood, and insulated wire
- Trade waste, including any waste generated by construction, commercial, or industrial activity
Residential Burning
Residential backyard burning of natural vegetation such as tree leaves, branches, yard trimmings, or gardening waste is allowed in most areas of Idaho under specific conditions.
Fire used for the disposal of yard waste, as defined in the IDAPA 58.01.06, “Solid Waste Management Rules,” at residential locations is allowable so long as the burning is conducted on the property where the yard waste was generated and not prohibited by local ordinances or rules. Burning is always prohibited when DEQ has issued a Burn Ban.
Training Fires
Training fires are allowed if conducted by qualified personnel to train firefighters in methods of fire suppression and firefighting techniques or to display certain fire ecology or fire behavior. The responsible agency conducting the training fire is required to notify a DEQ regional office prior to igniting. Training fires are subject to the EPA National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Asbestos (Asbestos NESHAP).
Training fires are always prohibited when DEQ has issued a burn ban.
Key asbestos NESHAP requirements for training fires:
- Asbestos Inspection: Prior to demolition by training fire, all buildings must undergo a thorough asbestos inspection conducted by a certified AHERA Asbestos Building Inspector.
- Removal of Asbestos Containing Material (ACM): If ACM is found, it must be properly removed by a certified asbestos abatement professional before the fire training can occur.
- Notification:
- EPA must be notified 10 days in advance of applicable asbestos abatement.
- EPA must also be notified 10 days in advance of the training fire even if no asbestos is present in the structure.
Asbestos NESHAP 10-Day Renovation and Demolition Notification Form
Resources:
Landfill Disposal Site Burning
Infrequent burning of agricultural and silvicultural waste, land clearing debris, diseased trees, or debris from emergency cleanup operations is allowed at landfill disposal sites. Basic smoke management practices must be included in the facility’s approved Operations Plan and adhered to when burning.
Landfill disposal site burning is always prohibited when DEQ has issued a burn ban.
Waste from Businesses
Unless specifically allowed by the “Rules for the Control of Air Pollution in Idaho” (IDAPA 58.01.01), burning waste generated from business, trade, or industry is prohibited. This includes trade wastes generated during construction, renovation, demolition, or repairs.
Other Fire Safety Requirements
Always check with your local fire department before burning. A permit from your local fire department or the Idaho Department of Lands may be required. Fire safety concerns may prohibit open burning.
Fire safety permit holders must also comply with DEQ rules and any local ordinances and are never allowed to burn any prohibited materials or burn if a burn ban is in effect.
How to Minimize Smoke Impacts
- Burn between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Burn when wind speed is less than 12 mph.
- Burn dry natural vegetation.
- Never burn prohibited materials.
- Ensure the fire has plenty of oxygen.
- Do not allow piles to smolder.
- Do not burn leaves and grass clippings.
- Stop burning if your smoke is settling near the ground.
Alternatives to Burning
Lawn Mulching: Leave grass clippings on your lawn to add nutrients back into the soil and improve lawn health.
Curbside Pickup: Collect and separate yard waste, organic material, and recyclables and set them out for curbside collection. Check with your local government or waste management company for local services.
Composting: Compost yard waste to recycle organic material and add nutrients back into the soil.
Chipping: Add chipped brush, pruning, or wood waste to your compost pile or soil to increase nutrient content.
Landfill: Many landfills offer free or reduced fees for yard waste.