Burning Resources
Burn Hotline
- Phone: 785-832-5394
- Emergency Management: 785-832-5259
- Website: www.dgcoks.gov/emergency-management/open-burning-regulations-safety
Whether or not burning is allowed or prohibited is determined daily. The Rangeland Fire Index is published daily online, and individuals can call the Douglas County Burn Hotline (785-832-5394) after 8 AM each morning.
All approved open burning must be reported to the Dispatch Center. You can log your burn by calling the Burn Hotline (785-832-5394) or using the online form. Be prepared to share the following information when logging your burn
- Location of intended burn
- Name, address, and telephone number of the person responsible
- Duration and schedule of the burning
- Description of the propsed burn
Allowed open burning is limited to the following:
Agricultural open burning. The open burning of vegetation such as grass, woody species, crop residue, and other dry plant growth for crop, range, pasture, wildlife, or watershed management (this includes the burning of routine brush piles accumulated from the property). Materials (brush, limbs, and other materials) brought from another site cannot be burned.
Residential open burning. Open burning of nonhazardous materials generated from the residential parcel (unless otherwise prohibited) includes trees, brush, and yard waste. Prohibited materials for residential open burning include heavy smoke- producing materials including heavy oils, tires, and tarpaper as outlined in K.A.R. 28-19-647(e)(2).
Recreational open burning. Aside from the exception described below, notification to the Douglas County Dispatch Center is not necessary for this type of open burning.
- Open burning for cooking, warming or ceremonial purposes on public or private land regularly used for recreational purposes; provided, however, any fire exceeding five (5) feet in diameter at its base requires notification.
- Burning within a self-contained outdoor burning device designed for cooking or heating (barbecue grill or pit, camp stove, fire pit, etc.).
Burn Permit. Specifically approved open burning conducted under a burn permit granted by the BOCC.
KDHE-approved open burning. Open burning is approved by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) according to K.A.R. 28-19-647 and approved by the fire control authority having jurisdiction over the area.
Visit the Kansas Forest Service website to learn about prescribed burning and find a list of prescribed fire contractors.