No, open burning in Rhode Island is largely prohibited under the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) Air Pollution Control Regulations (APCR 12.020). Exceptions exist for agricultural and land-clearing burns, but strict permitting and seasonal restrictions apply. Violations may incur fines up to $10,000 under the Rhode Island Air Pollution Control Act, with enforcement by RIDEM and local fire authorities.
Key Regulations for Open Burning in Rhode Island
- Permitting Requirement: All open burning requires a permit from RIDEM’s Office of Air Resources, except for recreational fires under 2 feet in diameter. Permits are denied in non-attainment areas for particulate matter (e.g., Providence County).
- Seasonal and Fuel Restrictions: Burning is prohibited during the “Ozone Season” (May 1–September 30) and for most household waste, including construction debris. Only clean wood or vegetative matter may be burned, with no treated lumber or plastics permitted.
- Local Authority Overrides: Municipal fire departments may impose additional restrictions or outright bans, as seen in recent 2026 compliance updates for coastal communities (e.g., Narragansett) due to air quality concerns.
Additional compliance notes:
- Recreational Fires: Must be contained in a fire pit, ≤ 2 feet in height/diameter, and attended until fully extinguished. RIDEM’s 2025 guidance clarifies that bonfires exceeding this size require permits.
- Agricultural Burns: Limited to crop residue or land-clearing burns, with 48-hour advance notice to RIDEM and local fire officials. Burning of pesticide-treated crops is explicitly prohibited.
- Penalties: Fines escalate for repeat violations, with potential referral to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office for egregious cases.