Understanding Fire Danger Ratings and Burn Restrictions
The Fire Danger Ratings are calculated using inputs such as long-term climate information; short-term weather patterns; and indicators like relative humidity, temperature, wind speed, and fuel conditions on the ground (how dry the grasses are, for example). Weather information inputs to the Fire Danger Ratings are provided by the National Weather Service, while fuel conditions are based on a variety of inputs and modeling.
The ratings are low, moderate, high, very high, and extreme. Additionally, there are fire weather watches and red flag warnings that can be issued for heightened public awareness of critical fire weather conditions.
The fire danger ratings are indicative of the threat of fire growth, not necessarily the threat of fire starts. Should a fire ignite, it is more likely that it will spread rapidly during higher fire danger rating days.
Next, jurisdictions may put forth a Fire Emergency Declaration. These are similar to any emergency declaration and are issued by the appropriate authority such as a mayor, council, or governor. Usually, this is done to allow access to special emergency funds for response activities. These declarations can also serve to heighten public awareness of the threat. Fire Emergency Declarations are necessary to have in place in order to enforce Burn Restrictions.
Finally, Burn Restrictions are legal restrictions on outdoor fire activities that are usually tied to the Fire Danger Ratings. Counties, tribes, state, federal land management agencies, and even some cities can decide what restrictions should be in place for each level of the fire danger ratings.
Restrictions may change throughout the day so always check right before you intend to burn.
*The Fire Danger Rating System is very sensitive to inputs, so it is always best to use your judgment when determining if burning is right for you, even if it is allowed in your jurisdiction. Experts across disciplines continue to refine the fire danger rating system for increased accuracy and public safety.
Understanding Open Burning and Burn Variances
Generally, anytime you light a fire outdoors, you are open burning. Open burning is regulated under the North Dakota Air Pollution Control Rules for the health and wellbeing of ourselves and our neighbors.
Many types of open burning such as prescribed burns, landfills, and oil, require an approved open burn variance.
Certain common activities, such as campfires, outdoor cooking fires, and agricultural crop burning do not require a burn variance.
Details are available at DEQ.nd.gov. Burn variance applications can be found at DEQ.nd.gov and must be approved by the DEQ or by district health units with variance issuing authority. Contact the DEQ or your local fire district if you have any questions.
Summary
If you can burn what you intend to burn, always give a heads-up to your local first responders:
- Open NDResponse.gov/burn
- Open the North Dakota Fire Declarations and Burn Restrictions map
- Navigate to the Declarations tab at the top
- Click on your jurisdiction on the map
- Follow the contact instructions in the popover to let them know you’ve obtained a burn variance and the time and place you intend to do your open burn.
By following rules for burn variances and burn restrictions, we can safely enjoy fire, reduce the threat of wildfires, and help keep our air, lands, and waters clean.
In collaboration with the Department of Emergency Services, Department of Environmental Quality, North Dakota Forest Service, National Weather Service, Health and Human Services, Department of Water Resources, and Office of the Fire Marshal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are the fire danger ratings figured?
The Fire Danger Ratings are calculated using inputs such as long-term climate information; short-term weather patterns; and indicators like relative humidity, temperature, wind speed, and fuel conditions on the ground (how dry the grasses are, for example). Weather information inputs to the Fire Danger Ratings are provided by the National Weather Service, while fuel conditions are based on a variety of inputs and
modeling.
The ratings are low, moderate, high, very high, and extreme. Additionally, there are fire weather watches and red flag warnings that can be issued for heightened public awareness of critical fire weather conditions.
The fire danger ratings are indicative of the threat of fire growth, not necessarily the threat of fire starts. Should a fire ignite, it is more likely that it would spread rapidly during higher fire danger rating days.
*The Fire Danger Rating System is very sensitive to inputs, so it is always best to use your judgment when determining if burning is right for you, even if you are allowed in your jurisdiction. Experts across disciplines continue to refine the fire danger rating system for increased accuracy and public safety.
How are the burn restrictions enacted?
Any level of jurisdiction could enact burn restrictions, given they have a fire emergency declaration in place. Each jurisdiction can decide what restrictions should be in place for the various fire danger ratings and based on their local capacity to respond.
What is a "fire weather watch" and a "red flag warning"?
These are issued by the National Weather Service to alert about critical fire weather conditions that could lead to rapid or dramatic increases in wildland fire activity and growth. These are based on a combination of fuel conditions on the ground (how dry grasses are, for example) and critical weather conditions such as strong winds and low relative humidity.
A Fire Weather Watch is issued when there is the potential (a 50 to 70 percent chance) for critical Red Flag conditions to occur in the next few days, while a Red Flag Warning is issued when critical Red Flag conditions are expected, are imminent or occurring (an 80 percent or higher chance of those conditions occurring).
How are the declarations enacted, and why?
Jurisdictions may put forth a Fire Emergency Declaration. These are similar to any emergency declaration and are issued by the appropriate authority such as a mayor, council, or governor. Usually, this is done to allow access to special emergency funds for response activities. These declarations can also serve to heighten public awareness of the threat. Fire Emergency Declarations are necessary to have in place in order to enforce Burn Restrictions.
Some jurisdictions put forth a Fire Emergency Declaration for an extended period of time and tie the restrictions to the dynamic fire danger ratings model. Other jurisdictions choose to put restrictions in place for a short period of time only during high fire danger rating days.
Do you need to get a burn variance for burning brush piles or other natural waste?
That depends. Learn more at https://deq.nd.gov/AQ/permitting/OpenBurning.aspx.
Am I allowed to burn my household waste?
You can burn your household waste ONLY when you meet certain conditions, those
conditions are as follows:
- No collection or disposal service is required or directed by a municipality or other government entity.
- The material to be burned is from a residence accommodating no more than one family.
- The burning is conducted on the property on which the waste is generated and compliance with all other rules pertaining to permissible open burning is required.
Are there materials that cannot be burned, even with a burn variance?
It is illegal to burn materials that generate hazardous air pollutants such as rubber products (tires), tar paper, asphalt shingles, plastics or chemically treated wood products.
Do you need to get prior written approval for the burning of forest or rangelands for the purpose of forest, rangeland or game management/wildlife habitat improvement?
Yes! This type of burning is known as prescribed burning and requires prior approval from the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality. Learn more at https://deq.nd.gov/AQ/permitting/OpenBurning.aspx and Chapter 33.1-15-04 of North Dakota Administrative Code.
What are the rules about burning abandoned houses and other vacated buildings?
If you are the owner of the residential house you will need to apply for an open burning variance from the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality or the district health unit that oversees your county if they have variance issuing authority (pictures showing what is to be burned will need to be provided with the variance application). You can see which district health units have this authority at this website https://deq.nd.gov/AQ/permitting/OpenBurning.aspx. The information will be at the bottom of the page.
B: If a city owns abandoned properties or the buildings are/were for commercial use you will first need to submit a Notification of Demolition (SFN 17987) to the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, have the property checked by a licensed asbestos inspector and then dispose of any loose/nonpermissible burning debris. This includes properly disposing of all asbestos-containing material in an approved landfill. You will then need to apply for an open burning variance (SFN 8509) from the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality or the district health unit that oversees your county if they have variance issuing authority (pictures showing what is to be burned will need to be provided with the variance application).
C: If a fire department wishes to utilize an abandoned property or building for fire training, they will first need to submit a Notification of Demolition to the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, then have the property checked by a licensed asbestos inspector and then dispose of any loose/nonpermissible burning debris. This includes properly disposing of all asbestos-containing material in an approved landfill.
Can I burn spilled oil?
Burning of liquid hydrocarbons (oil) is only permitted if no other practical means of recovery or lawful disposal by other means is available. Should you need to burn oil that has spilled, a separate application (SFN 8506) for the open burning of liquid hydrocarbons must be submitted to and approval granted by the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality prior to burning the oil. If there is immediate danger to human health or safety burning may be initiated without prior notice (approval) provided notice is provided as soon as practical. An Environmental Incident Report must also be submitted for all spills.
Can I burn my materials any time after I obtain a burn variance?
No.
- Check for local burn restrictions at NDResponse.gov/burn.
- On the North Dakota Fire Declarations and Burn Restrictions map under the tab Declarations, click on your county. Follow the contact instructions to let them know you’ve obtained a burn variance, and the time and place you intend to do your open burn.
- Let your neighbors know.
Where can I find air quality information?
Fires and burns can impact the air we breathe, which can directly affect our health. You can find local air quality information at AirNow.gov, where you can even sign up for alerts.