Open Burning

Open Burning

As the designated agent for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) within the county, JCDHE enforces the state air quality regulations on open burning.  These regulations are designed to protect human health and the environment.  JCDHE issues open burning exemptions in accordance with these regulations when prudent and necessary.  Under these regulations, certain types of open burning do not require prior consent from JCDHE while others do require written approval.  However, your local fire department, which operates on their local fire code, usually requires a burn permit.  Always contact your local fire department for an open burning permit.

We also investigate open burning complaints to determine compliance with air quality regulations when they are received.  Appropriate open burning investigations are referred to KDHE and/or local fire departments for possible enforcement action.

We've developed a "one-stop shopping" site for open burning for Johnson County.  You'll find the state air quality regulations as well as an application for obtaining an open burning exemption from our office.  To apply for a burning permit from your local fire department or district, we have included their contact information and links to their websites.  We also have a page devoted to local burning conditions and if there are any restrictions on open burning within Johnson County.

	Kansas Air Quality Regulations on Open Burning Please read the open burning regulations to find out what can and cannot be burned, the necessary weather conditions for burning operations, and when an exemption is necessary. More Information>>
	Open Burning Exemption Application (Permit) To apply for an open burning exemption, please fill out the on-line application.  You will need to submit it three days prior to the burning event. More Information>>
	Johnson County Fire Departments Find contact information for fire departments in Johnson County and find out which one is closest to your home, business or possible burn site.  More Information>>
	Current Burning Bans Wondering if there is a ban in your fire district?  Look here for a current list of open burning bans and specifics about the ban.  More Information>>