Burn Permit

NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE!

  1. Please fill out the request during the week. Forms for the current weekend must be completed by 7 PM CST Thursday.
  2. A valid email address is required for electronic permits.
  3. You will receive final status of approved or denied via email before 11:00 PM Thursday.
  4. Permit is not valid until it has been approved by Bennet Fire and Rescue.
  5. ONLY weekend days will be approved.
  6. Note any special instructions or notes will be provided in the ‘Comment’ section of the approval/denial.

Policy:
Open burning is banned statewide in Nebraska. However, the local Fire Chief (or their designee)
is authorized to waive this ban via a written or online permit. All open burning must be
conducted under strict safety guidelines to protect the environment and public safety.
Procedure for Obtaining a Permit:
Applicants and Fire Chief (or their designee) must follow these steps to secure a legal burn
permit:

  1. Initial Contact: Apply for a burn permit via Bennet Fire and Rescue website by 1900
    (7:00pm) Thursday evening. (If permits are not going to be approved for an extended
    period of time the link may be closed.)
  2. Assignment: Burn permit applications will be approved or denied by 2300 (11:00pm)
    Thursday evening.
  3. Issuance: Applicants will receive an email of approved or denied permits along with days
    approved for burning.
  4. 911 Notification: Once permits are issued, the designee will email or contact Lincoln 911
    with a list of approved permits and days approved.

Operational Requirements & Restrictions:

All permitted burns must adhere to the following safety mandates:

  • Supervision: The fire must be attended by a responsible party at all times until
    completely extinguished.
  • Containment: A cleared perimeter (firebreak) must be established around the burn site
    to prevent spread.
    • Sufficient extinguishing agents (water, dirt, or heavy machinery) should be
      considered.
    • Solid materials (logs/brush) must be saturated with water or covered with earth
      before the attendant leaves.
  • The fire(s) will be at least 50 feet from your own building(s) and 300 feet from a
    neighboring building.
  • Weather Restrictions: * Burning is prohibited if wind speeds exceed 15 MPH.
    • The Fire Chief may void permits during high-risk weather conditions.
  • Available Personnel: Weekend and daily personnel availability will be evaluated.
    • The Fire Chief may void permits when looking at available fire personnel.
  • Days permitted: Friday, Saturday, Sunday unless otherwise notified.
  • Time of Day: Burning is permitted only between 0600 (6:00am) and 2300 (11:00pm)
    hours. All fires must be fully extinguished by 2300 (11:00pm).
  • Fire Department extinguishment: The fire may be extinguished by Bennet Fire and
    Rescue regardless of whether a permit is issued if: (1) in the opinion of the Chief (or
    their designee) that the conditions have changed and have become too dangerous to
    allow an open fire to continue burning; (2) if complaints are received regarding the
    fire/smoke; (3) if any of the above conditions of this permit have been violated.
  • Prohibited Materials: The burning of the following is strictly forbidden:
    • Rubber, creosote, shingles, or tar paper.
    • Garbage, treated lumber, or any materials producing noxious odors/toxins.

Jurisdictional Nuances:

  • City Limits: Open burning is unauthorized within any City, Village, or Unincorporated Limits.
  • Revocation: Any Fire Department personnel or Law Enforcement Officer may conduct an on-site inspection and terminate a permit immediately if safety standards are not met.

Enforcement and Penalties:

  • Burn permits are issued under the authority granted by Nebraska State Statute 81-520.01 and are subject to the following rules and regulations adopted by Bennet Fire and Rescue.
  • Out of Control Fires: If a fire requires a department response due to negligence, the permit holder may face legal action.
  • Unpermitted Burning: Conducting a burn without a valid permit is a violation of state law.
  • Legal Penalty: Per Nebraska Statute 81-520.02, violations of the open burning ban are classified as a Class IV Misdemeanor.
  • Websites we reference for weather: https://www.weather.gov/dlh/fwd and https://nebraskawildfirerisk.com


IF THE FIRE BECOMES OUT OF CONTROL, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY.