State drops ban on debris burning
October 24, 2025 | By Lisa Scagliotti
The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation announced on Friday that it has ended the statewide order issued on Sept. 22 that called for a halt to burn permits due to extremely dry conditions and elevated fire danger.
The order required all Town Forest Fire Wardens to cease issuing burn permits until further notice. That order now has been lifted statewide, according to the announcement.
Recent rainfall has helped reduce wildfire danger across Vermont. The U.S. Drought Monitor reports that much of the state remains in extreme or severe drought; however, the wildland fire danger forecast has dropped to low statewide following more than two inches of precipitation in recent days.
“The recent rainfall has provided much-needed relief, saturating small, easy-to-burn fuels and thereby reducing the risk of wildfire,” said state Forest Fire Supervisor Dan Dillner. “This welcome precipitation follows nearly two months of dry weather, drought conditions, and higher than normal wildland fire activity throughout the state—primarily caused by escaped debris burns or unattended campfires.”
Now that the ban is lifted, local fire wardens may issue burn permits. Wardens still may restrict permit issuance based on local and daily conditions, which can vary by region, the announcement notes.
State Forests, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Danielle Fitzko added that anyone looking to burn debris or light campfires is urged to do so with extreme caution.
State forestry officials said they appreciate the public’s cooperation with the burn ban over the past month during this period of very high fire danger. Information is updated daily and posted online regarding the current fire danger forecast along with details on fire safety and prevention.
Anyone wishing to burn debris such as yard waste must contact their local fire warden for a permit. Bonfires larger than in a recreational fire pit require permits as well. The state has an online Fire Warden Directory listing fire wardens by town. Check individual municipal offices for specific contact information.
In Waterbury, Fire Warden Charlie O’Brien may be reached at 802-249-8798 and Fire Warden Steve Guptil at 802-244-5597 (work) or 802-244-5515 (home). In Duxbury, Fire Warden Kyle Guyette can be reached at wvfd05@yahoo.com or 802-382-7471.