VERMONT, HARDWICK – Vermont’s Act 162 went into effect July 1, making the chief of each local fire department serve as the Town Forest Fire Warden.
Burn permits must be obtained from a local fire chief or an appointed deputy.
In Hardwick contact Fire Chief & Forest Fire Warden (Primary) Perley Allen, (802) 917-4806; Deputy Forest Fire Warden No. 1 Charles Bartlett, (802) 917-1901; or Deputy Forest Fire Warden No. 2 Douglas Casavant, (802) 917-2156.
Act 162 went into effect on July 1, to rely entirely on municipal fire departments rather than state-appointed wardens.
Only clean, natural wood or brush is legal to burn. Burning treated wood, trash, plastic or tires is illegal everywhere in Vermont.
Campfires under 36 inches in diameter and located more than 200 feet from dry grass and forests) usually do not require a permit, but can be halted during dry conditions.
A fire chief, or an appointed deputy must verbally approve the fire and issue a written permit. Burning without the permit in hand is illegal.
Check current conditions before burning, as sudden high winds or dry spells can lead to state-issued burn bans.
Check the Vermont Fire Danger Forecast to monitor the fire risk in the area, or visit the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation website (dec.vermont.gov/air-quality/compliance/open-burning) for statewide open burning regulations.
For permits, call a town’s fire department non-emergency contact line.
