When Fire Becomes a Threat: The Importance of Burning Laws in Guilford

Lamentation Mountain in Berlin

Open burning and recreational fire pits have long been part of Guilford’s residential charm, offering everything from seasonal brush cleanup to evenings by a backyard flame. But with those traditions comes a serious responsibility, one that can’t be ignored. The laws and policies that govern open burning in Guilford are not just legal formalities, they’re rooted in public safety, environmental protection, and the preservation of life and property.

In Connecticut, open burning is regulated under state law and enforced locally through your municipal fire marshal’s office. In Guilford, anyone wishing to burn brush on their property is required to obtain a permit before doing so. The term “brush” is specifically defined and includes only natural vegetation such as branches or shrubs under three inches in diameter. Burning leaves, grass, garbage, construction debris, or anything synthetic is strictly prohibited. This is not only to minimize smoke pollution but also to reduce the risk of accidental ignition spreading to nearby woods, homes, or other properties.

The open burning permit is not a rubber stamp. The conditions under which it is issued depend on multiple factors including wind speed, humidity, and the state’s Air Quality Index and Forest Fire Danger ratings. The state prohibits burning when the Air Quality Index exceeds 100, or when the Forest Fire Danger is categorized as high, very high, or extreme. These parameters aren’t arbitrary, they’re based on scientific data collected by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), and they play a crucial role in preventing unnecessary wildfires.

Unfortunately, not everyone follows these guidelines. In fact, Connecticut has seen a rise in wildfires over the past few years, many of them preventable. One of the most sobering examples occurred in 2024 near Lamentation Mountain. A homeowner had decided to burn brush without a permit during a dry stretch of weather. Winds picked up, and before the fire department could even arrive, more than 100 acres were ablaze. Fire crews from multiple towns were called in. Structures were threatened. A firefighter was seriously injured during suppression efforts. That fire started with just a small pile of brush and no oversight.

Earlier this year, a similar event unfolded in Killingly. A small fire set in a residential area quickly spread when gusty winds fanned the flames. It took multiple engines to bring the situation under control. Though no homes were lost, the fire came within feet of several structures. In both cases, what they had in common was a lack of a permit and a disregard for safety protocols.

Bt4Closer to home, Guilford has had its share of incidents involving improperly extinguished fire pits or bonfires. It’s not uncommon for firefighters to be dispatched in the middle of the night for a report of a smoldering backyard fire that rekindled hours after it was thought to be out. In many cases, these are recreational fires left unattended, with hot embers still active beneath a layer of ash. The risk is heightened during dry months, especially in spring and early fall when vegetation is brittle and humidity is low.

That’s why we urge every resident to follow our local burning policy and make safety the top priority. If you plan to burn, call our office and speak with Deputy Fire Marshal Jim Considine. He can walk you through the permit process and advise whether conditions are safe for that day. You can reach him at 203-453-8056 or by email at jconsidine@guilfordfire.com. Permits are issued only when conditions meet all safety requirements, and even then, fires must be monitored at all times, with extinguishing tools such as a water hose or buckets on hand. Once the burn is complete, the area must be fully extinguished, no smoldering, no embers, and certainly no assumption that a fire is out just because the flames are gone.

Guilford is a town surrounded by nature. Our woodlands are one of the reasons people love to live here. But that proximity to forest also means that even a small fire can have devastating consequences. Following the law isn't just about avoiding fines or citations, it’s about preventing tragedy.

The increase in wildfires across the state is a clear warning. Last year alone, Connecticut reported over 600 wildfires in the spring season, burning hundreds of acres and stretching emergency resources thin. These fires don’t just destroy vegetation. They endanger firefighters, evacuate families, and threaten public infrastructure. Many of them started as small burns or fire pits that were never meant to grow.

We ask all residents of Guilford to take this seriously. Open burning and fire pit use can be done responsibly, but only when you adhere to the rules. Never burn on a windy day. Never walk away from a fire. Never assume it’s out until the area is cold to the touch. If there’s any doubt, don’t light it. The risk is not worth it.

Our community is safest when each of us takes personal responsibility for our actions. Fires can get out of control in seconds, and by the time you call 911, it might already be too late. Do your part, get the permit, follow the weather conditions, and don’t take shortcuts.

If you have questions, reach out to us. We’re not here to stop people from enjoying their property, we’re here to help ensure that enjoyment doesn’t turn into emergency.