Vermont Issues Statewide Ban on Debris Burning

No Burning Permits Shall Be Issued

Montpelier, Vt. - The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (FPR) has issued an order for all Town Forest Fire Wardens to cease issuing burning permits from noon on September 22, 2025, until this order is revoked. This order may be revoked on a statewide basis or on a county-by-county basis, depending upon the fire danger and weather conditions.

Abnormally dry summer conditions have persisted throughout Vermont and the Northeast.  The US Drought Monitor reports 78% of Vermont is experiencing severe drought.  Neighboring states are also in similar drought conditions, with 73% of New Hampshire experiencing severe drought, 23% of which is in extreme drought.

“Persistent dry conditions coupled with dry falling leaves create a high risk for rapid fire spread,” said Dan Dillner, Forest Fire Supervisor.  “With ground water deficits, fires will burn into the soil, consuming dried organic matter as fuel.  These fires require considerable resources to contain and extinguish.”

“Falling leaves are providing abundant dried fuels,” said FPR Commissioner Danielle Fitzko.  “Many towns have proactively imposed burning restrictions, and we are working with our local and regional partners to raise awareness and increase preparedness.”

The current fire danger forecast and further information on fire safety and prevention are available on the FPR website.