The open burning of leaves, rubbish, construction materials, etc., and even cooking and camp fires in Old Lyme are subject to several local and state regulations. The use of fireworks by the general public in the State of Connecticut is greatly restricted. The reason is simple: a significant potential exists for the loss of property, and the injury or loss of life when persons participate in these activities. While we may provide some basic information here on these subjects, we strongly suggest that anyone who wishes to engage in open burning or the use of fireworks, regardless of what jurisdiction you may reside, check with their local and state fire marshals prior to engaging in these activities.

Open Burning

Open burning in the Town of Old Lyme is governed activities that require an "Open Burning Permit" be obtained from the Old Lyme Fire Marshal's Office prior to burning. These activities include camp fires, agricultural burning and bon fires at public gatherings.

Garbage, brush and construction debris must be properly disposed of and may not be burned in Old Lyme.

While barbecues and outdoor cooking fires at a private residence do not require a permit, they may be subject to other restrictions.

Before you apply for an Open Burning Permit, we suggest you check the daily forest fire danger level which is established by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Forest Fire Control Office. In regards to the issuance of a permit for open burning, the Fire Marshal may refuse a permit based on the present danger level. If you have been issued a permit and the fire danger becomes high enough, the certificate may be subsequently voided. Even if a permit is not required for your activity, open burning may be prohibited based on the danger level.

All open burning in the Town of Old Lyme is subject to the following  General Conditions, and the Old Lyme Fire Marshal's Office, Old Lyme Volunteer Fire Department and the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection reserve the right to revoke a permit and extinguish open fires when warranted, whether approval has been granted or not.

General Conditions

There are multiple ways in which an Open Burning Permit can be obtained. You may stop by the Fire Marshal's Office and request a permit in person. Open Burning Permit forms can be downloaded from this website, completed, and either delivered to the Fire Marshal's Office in person, or returned via a facsimile transmission. Remember, prior to any open burning, you must have an approved Open Burning Permit filed with the Fire Marshal's Office and a copy at the location of the open burn.

Use of FireWorks

Professional displays of fireworks during holidays and other events are an exciting and beautiful experience. However, the use of fireworks is an inherently dangerous activity even when performed by a trained pyrotechnician. Even if professionals follow all the regulations and take numerous precautions to ensure a safe display, sometimes accidents still do happen, and the professional and public alike can still be seriously injured, or worse. Fortunately, accidents resulting from professional fireworks displays are limited occurrences. However, fireworks usage by the general public results in many injuries, sometimes including death, and significant property damage and loss each year. Here are some sobering statistics:

	Between 1990 and 2003, and estimated 9,700 people on average suffered fireworks-related injuries each year1, and an estimated 85,800 pediatric fireworks-related injuries were treated in US emergency departments during the same period2.
	About 45% of persons injured from fireworks are age fourteen and younger, with children ages 5 to 9 having the highest injury rate for fireworks-related injuries3.
	In 2003, an estimated 9,300 persons were treated in emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries in the United States. Four people died from aerial devices, and another two people were killed from fires that were started by fireworks3.
	In 1999, U.S. fire departments reported approximately 24,200 fireworks-related fires that were estimated to have cost $17.2 million in direct property damage4.

Because a significant potential for bodily injury and property loss resulting from the use of fireworks exists, the State of Connecticut tightly controls their importation, sale and use among the general public. With the exception of "sparklers," all fireworks in Connecticut are ILLEGAL. Sparklers are defined by the State of Connecticut as a sparkling device of not more than 100 grams of pyrotechnic mixture per item, which are non-explosive and non-aerial. This includes the common stick sparklers and cone, base, spike and handle fountains.

Persons age sixteen and older may purchase and use sparklers in Connecticut.

It is illegal to transport fireworks into Connecticut which have been privately purchased out-of-state.

Be smart and be safe. Before purchasing or using any type of pyrotechnic device, make sure you understand the local ordinances. When using these devices, always have an extinguisher, charged garden hose or bucket of water immediately available and accessible. The prudent act is to contact your local or state fire marshal for guidance and clarification. Better yet, leave the use of fireworks up to the trained professionals and help insure your safety, and other's.

Learn More

For more information regarding fireworks in the State of Connecticut, refer to Volume 9, Title 29, Chapter 541, Sections 29-356 & 357 of the General Statutes of Connecticut, and Public Act No. 00-198.

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