Outdoor Burning

Outdoor open burning permits are issued on a daily basis depending on weather conditions.
Please contact the North Kingstown Fire Department dispatcher at 401-294-3346 ext. 7100 to request a burn permit.
It is best to call in the morning (after 7:30 AM) to request a permit for that day.  A representative of the fire department will come out to inspect the open burn for approval.

Note: Outdoor burning of any kind is not permitted in spring (April/May) due to the high risk of brush fires. Burn permits are typically not issued during these months.

North Kingstown Town Ordinance

Sec. 5-22. - Burning.

(a) Public property—Permit required on public grounds. No person shall set or maintain any bonfire, rubbish or other open fire of any kind or authorize any such fire to be set or maintained on any public ground without a permit issued by the chief of the fire department or the chief's authorized representative. The permit may set such limitations or conditions as determined appropriate by the chief or the chief's authorized representative.

(b) Construction site—Permit required during construction and demolition of buildings. During construction or demolition of buildings or structures, no waste materials or rubbish shall be disposed of by burning on the property or in the immediate vicinity without having obtained a permit issued by the chief of the fire department or the chief's authorized representative. The permit may set such limitations or conditions as determined appropriate by the chief or the chief's authorized representative.

(c) Residential property. No person shall set or maintain a bonfire or burn rubbish, lumber, leaves, brush or any other combustible material or authorize any other open fire to be set or maintained on any private residential land except as follows:

(1) A person may burn combustible material on any private residential land if the fire is contained in a burner with a closed or properly screened top, approved by the fire prevention bureau, including chimeneas or other movable, closed fire containers available for retail purchase. Such fire containers are to be located safely on private residential property no less than 15 feet from any structure and seven feet from any property line or combustible fence.

(2) Residential fires are limited to the period from sunrise to 11:00 p.m.

(Rev. Ords. 1974, § 5-1-4; Ord. No. 08-15, § 1, 7-7-2008)