← Missouri burn ban rules›Open Burning Rules
Missouri Open Burning Rules (2026)
Conditional: 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.
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.
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Open Burning Rules in states bordering Missouri
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- ArkansasConditional
Open burning of yard/land debris is generally allowed when no ban is in effect, but county judges may impose burn bans (up to 60 days) during dry conditions. The Forestry Division monitors fire danger; bans are enforced by sheriffs.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: agriculture.arkansas.gov · Full Arkansas rule →
- 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 →
- IowaConditional
Open burning is prohibited except listed exemptions: landscape waste originating on the premises may be burned unless barred by local ordinance. Exemptions are unavailable in certain cities (e.g., Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs); Polk and Linn counties require permits.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: iowadnr.gov · Full Iowa rule →
- KansasConditional
Open burning of wastes is prohibited statewide (K.A.R. 28-19-645) except agricultural, residential, and other exempt burns; many burns need a county/local permit and some counties ban open burning in April.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: kdhe.ks.gov · Full Kansas rule →
- KentuckyConditional
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.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: eec.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →
- NebraskaRestricted
State statute 81-520.01 imposes a statewide open-burning ban on bonfires, rubbish fires and land-clearing fires. Open burning requires a written permit from the local fire chief (or designee) on a State Fire Marshal form before any burning.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: sfm.nebraska.gov · Full Nebraska rule →
- OklahomaConditional
Open burning of debris is generally allowed but is restricted or prohibited under a county-commissioner or Governor's burn ban, which are common in drought. Violations are misdemeanors (county ban up to $500; Governor's ban up to $1,000).
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: ag.ok.gov · Full Oklahoma 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 →
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