← Kentucky burn ban rules›Open Burning Rules
Kentucky Open Burning Rules (2026)
Conditional: During Forest Fire Hazard Seasons (Feb 15–Apr 30 and Oct 1–Dec 15) it is illegal to burn within 150 ft of woodland/brushland from 6 a.m.–6 p.m. Only natural plant matter may be burned; no state permit, but local rules apply.
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Open Burning Rules in states bordering Kentucky
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- IllinoisConditional
Open burning is generally prohibited except landscape waste burned on the premises where produced. It is banned within any municipality (or within 1 mile of one) of 1,000+ population; garbage, tires and demolition debris may never be burned. Local ordinances may be stricter.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: epa.illinois.gov · Full Illinois rule →
- IndianaConditional
Burning trash is illegal; open burning is generally prohibited except exempt activities. Residential burning of clean wood/leaves/brush is allowed in most counties but banned in Clark, Floyd, Lake and Porter. Land clearing/prescribed burns need IDEM prior approval.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: in.gov · Full Indiana rule →
- MissouriConditional
No statewide permit, but state rule allows burning only of yard/vegetative waste and household refuse (4 units or fewer) that originates and is burned on the same property; trade/demolition waste, tires and trash are prohibited. Local governments may add stricter rules or burn bans.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dnr.mo.gov · Full Missouri rule →
- OhioRestricted
Under ORC 1503.18, open burning of debris in unincorporated areas is prohibited 6 a.m.-6 p.m. during March, April, May, October and November. Outside those hours/months burning of clean plant matter may be allowed; trash burning is always illegal.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: ohiodnr.gov · Full Ohio rule →
- TennesseeRestricted
From Oct 15–May 15, anyone burning open-air within 500 ft of forest, grassland, or woodland must by law get a free debris-burn permit from the Division of Forestry. Burning without one is a Class C misdemeanor. Container burns with a 1/2-inch mesh screen are exempt; cities may have stricter rules.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: tn.gov · Full Tennessee rule →
- VirginiaRestricted
Statewide '4 PM Burning Law' (Feb 15–Apr 30) bans open-air burning before 4 PM within 300 ft of woods/dry grass; burning allowed 4 PM–midnight if attended. Outside that season open burning is permitted with precautions; localities may add bans. No state permit, but check locality.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dof.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →
- West VirginiaRestricted
During spring (Mar 1–May 31) and fall (Oct 1–Dec 31) fire seasons, outdoor burning is banned 7 AM–5 PM; legal only 5 PM–7 AM with all fire out by 7 AM. Requires a cleared 10-ft safety ring and attendance; violation up to $1,000 fine. Allowed anytime with 1+ inch snow cover.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: wvforestry.com · Full West Virginia rule →
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