← Nebraska burn ban rules›Open Burning Rules

Nebraska Open Burning Rules (2026)

Restricted: State statute 81-520.01 imposes a statewide open-burning ban on bonfires, rubbish fires and land-clearing fires.

RestrictedVerified Jun 18, 2026

Burn bans change week to week.Track burn bans in the free LawLert iPhone app and it alerts you when one is imposed or lifted where you live or where you are. No account.Get the app

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.

Official source: sfm.nebraska.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Open Burning Rules in states bordering Nebraska

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

ColoradoConditional
Open burning of yard/land debris (slash, vegetation, wood piles) generally requires a CDPHE smoke permit; small open burns are <50 piles, max 8'x8'x8', out cold by sunset. No barrels/incinerators. Local county/fire approval also required.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: cdphe.colorado.gov · Full Colorado 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 →
MissouriConditional
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.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dnr.mo.gov · Full Missouri rule →
South DakotaConditional
Open burning of slash piles/yard debris in the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District needs a temporary permit from SD Wildland Fire, issued Nov 1–Mar 31 and valid only with continuous snow cover. Incorporated towns set their own rules; check with local officials elsewhere.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: wildlandfire.sd.gov · Full South Dakota rule →
WyomingConditional
Open burning is governed by county commissioners under State Board of Land Commissioners rules; many counties require a permit from the county fire warden and impose seasonal/drought fire bans prohibiting open/debris fires. Rules vary by county — confirm locally before burning.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: wsfd.wyo.gov · Full Wyoming rule →

Don't get caught off guardCross into a state where this law is different and the free iPhone app tells you what changed, even with the app closed. It also alerts you when a law you track changes where you live. No account.Get the free app

Track this law — get alerted when it changes

We watch the official sources behind Nebraska burn bans rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.