Open Burning
Open burning within the city limits is regulated by a local ordinance in accordance with rules and regulations by the Florida Fire Prevention Code, Florida Administrative Code, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Agency.
The City of St. Augustine does not allow open burning through avenues such as bon fires, pile burning, or burning of yard debris. All homes in the city qualify for residential collection of yard-waste and a residential composting pilot program. We encourage you to utilize these services instead.
Approved outdoor heating devices include:
- Wood-burning fire pits with metal mesh covers*
- Commercially manufactured propane or natural gas-fueled fire pits
- Chimineas*
Per NFPA 1 Chapter 10.10.5.1, “Fires shall be constantly attended by a competent person until such fire is extinguished.”
Per NFPA 1 Chapter 10.10.6.1, “For other than one- and two- family dwellings, no hibachi, grill, or other similar devices used for cooking, heating, or any other purpose shall be used or kindled on any balcony, under any overhanging portion, or within 10 ft of any structure.”
Per NFPA 1 Chapter 10.10.3.2, “Permanent barbecues, portable barbeques, outdoor fireplaces, or grills shall not be used for the disposal of rubbish, trash, or combustible waste material.”
*To limit excessive smoke and maintain the city’s air quality, use only dry and untreated firewood.
Open burning within the city limits is regulated by local ordinance in accordance with rules and regulations by the Florida Fire Prevention Code, Florida Administrative Code, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Agency.
The City does not have legal ability or regulatory authority to manage or control burnings related to residential development, large land clearing, agriculture, or silviculture. State of Florida statute authorizes the Florida Forest Service to regulate these types of site-clearing debris burns. In addition, the City of St. Augustine does not have the ability to regulate prescribed burns in forested areas or on public lands that are conducted by state or federal agencies. For additional information regarding state-regulated site-clearing debris burns or prescribed burns, please visit http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service/Wildland-Fire/Burn-Authorizations, or call the Florida Forest Service at 386.585.6150. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection regulates air quality and can also be reached at 904.256.1553.