Before any outdoor burn
- Check for county burn bans and red-flag warnings on the day. They override normal rules.
- Keep piles small, well away from structures and overhead branches, with water and a shovel on hand.
- Never leave a fire unattended, and drown and stir the ashes until they are cold to the touch.
Worked example
Enter ZIP 97201 (Portland, Oregon) with brush, and HikeSpan returns Permit likely required, noting Oregon's DEQ and fire-season restrictions. Choose treated or painted wood for any ZIP and the answer is Generally prohibited, because burning treated wood releases toxic chemicals.
How the lookup works
Your ZIP code is matched to a state in your browser, with no network request. The state's summary rules for natural yard debris, treated wood and household trash are then shown. Local rules can be stricter, so use the search button in the result to find your county's burn permit page.
FAQ
Is a campfire the same as open burning?
Not always. Many states treat small recreational campfires differently from debris burning, but fire restrictions can ban both. Check land-manager and county rules for the day.
What materials should never be burned outdoors?
Household trash, plastics, tires, and treated or painted wood. They release toxic smoke and are prohibited in most places.
How do I find out if there is a burn ban today?
Check your county fire department, state forestry agency, or the land manager for public lands such as the Forest Service or BLM.