Open burning is allowed in the Town Preston for brush. With the exception of burning in a grill or outdoor fireplace for cooking food or camping, you will need a permit to burn out-of-doors. Open burning rules are dictated by Connecticut General Statutes (Section 22a-174) and by the Department of Environmental Protection regulations (22a-264-17).

Burning permits will be be issued by Keith Wucik and Mike Guiher. To obtain a permit, please call (860) 222-5970 to set up a time between 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday at the Poquetanuck Fire Department , 87 Route 2A.

Visit the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for a Daily Forest Fire Danger Report.

Guidelines for Open Burning Of Brush

• All safety precautions are to be taken - including the clearing of grass and trees, wetting down of the surrounding areas and placing fire extinguishers.
• Brush piles should be no larger than 5 feet wide by 10 feet long by 5 feet high.
• Burning after hours is illegal.
• Burning must be conducted between the hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on a sunny to partly sunny day with a wind speed no less than 5 mph and no greater than 15 mph.
• Burning must cease if so directed by the Burning Official, Fire Marshall, Fire Company, State Trooper or DEP official.
• Burning must NOT take place (a) during an advisory of threatening atmospheric conditions or any other air pollution emergency episode or (b) during a period when forest fire danger is high or extreme if the open burning is within 100 feet of woodland or grassland adjacent to woodland.
• The Burning Official may revoke any permit or add conditions if circumstances indicate.
• Burning permit must be available at all times at the site of the burn.
• Burning without a Permit is considered a criminal act and may be punishable by fine or arrest.
• Burning without a permit is illegal.
• Fire must be tended to at all times until it is completely extinguished.
• No objectionable odors or excessive smoke may be created. All reasonable measures to assure complete combustion are to be taken.
• Permit is issued for the burning of brush only. Brush is considered branches or cuttings (no leaves) fewer than three inches in diameter. Anything larger is illegal to burn. ALL processed wood is illegal to burn.
• Permits will be issued to residents only for the property on which they reside.
• Permits will not be issued for land clearing if there is no residence on the property.
• The resident must sign the permit and is responsible for burning.
• You must contact Ledyard Dispatch prior to burning at 860-464-1138