It is strictly regulated.
Open burning in Wyoming is permitted only under stringent conditions enforced by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) and local air quality control boards. Permits are mandatory for most burns, with exemptions for small agricultural fires under specific guidelines. Violations incur penalties, including fines up to $10,000 under the Wyoming Air Quality Standards and Regulations (WAQSR). Recent 2026 amendments to WDEQ’s open burn rules tighten enforcement, particularly near Class I areas and during ozone season.
Key Regulations for Open Burning in Wyoming
- Permit Requirements: A WDEQ-issued burn permit is required for all open burning except for recreational fires under 2 feet in diameter. Agricultural burns may qualify for seasonal exemptions but must comply with set acreage and timing limits.
- Prohibited Materials: Burning household trash, construction debris, or treated wood is illegal. Only vegetative materials (e.g., untreated wood, leaves) may be burned, and only if no viable alternatives exist.
- Local Variances: Counties like Teton and Laramie enforce stricter rules under their own air quality ordinances. Burns near sensitive receptors (e.g., schools, hospitals) require additional approvals from local health departments.