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1. Where do I get a burn permit?

You can fill out and submit the form online https://www.rileycountyks.gov/forms.aspx?FID=201 or you can call 785-537-6333 for more information. 

apply online.

2. Are air curtain destructors / incinerators allowed to operate in April?

Yes, ACDs are permitted by KDHE as a special type of incinerator.

3. Are camp fires and bonfires allowed in April?

Yes, open burning for cooking or ceremonial purposes, on public or private lands regularly used for recreational purposes are allowed as long as they are conducted in a safe manner. Fires must be completely extinguished before leaving the area. 

4. Are residential trash burn barrels permitted?

Yes, unless restricted by a local Fire Department.

5. Can a local fire chief override the April Burning Restrictions of K.A.R. 28-19-645a if requested by a local resident or business?

Yes, if the local ordinance is more stringent. No, when the purpose of the override is to allow something prohibited under state regulation.

6. How do I know if there are any burning restrictions?

Riley County Fire District #1 send notices about burning restrictions due to conditions using the Everbridge Emergency Notification System. We recommend everyone who has a burn permit sign up for this FREE service.

• Go to Riley County Website Homepage.
• On the left hand side of the screen, click on Emergency Notifications
• Click on Sign Up to create an account. If you already created an account, click on Login.
• Complete the required information.
• Sign up for Riley County Prescribed Burning.

7. How will the April Burn Restrictions be enforced?

Primarily the local burn resolution will be enforced and prosecuted by the County Attorney at their level of discretion. KDHE also utilizes compliance assistance and public education to get the word out. If there are extenuating circumstances in a particular situation, KDHE may utilize their enforcement authority to address an egregious problem.

8. Is burning yard waste allowed at an individual residence during April?

Yes, unless restricted by a local Fire Department.

9. Is crop residue burning restricted in April?

Yes, crop residue burning is restricted for the 16 counties specified in the April Burning Restrictions of K.A.R. 28-19-645a (13 in Flint Hills + Johnson, Sedgwick & Wyandotte). Burning of the tall grass prairie is not considered crop residue burning.

K.A.R. 28-19-645a (pdf)

10. Is open burning for land clearing and construction projects allowed in April?

Not in the 13 Flint Hills Counties. In Johnson, Wyandotte and Sedgwick counties, the local authority can approve burning of trees and brush from nonagricultural land clearing and clean wood waste at the construction site; all other open burning in these counties must be approved by KDHE. In the rest of the state, KDHE must approve this burning unless local ordinance is more stringent. It is our intent to discourage nonagricultural burning during the month of April.

11. What agencies and offices are involved in regulating open burning?

1. Riley County Fire District #1

2. Manhattan Fire Department 

3. City government (when applicable) 

4. KDHE's District Offices and Compliance Section of the Bureau of Air 

12. Where is the first place a person should call with questions concerning open burning?

Individuals should first call the local authority having jurisdiction, such as city hall or the local fire department. Industries, should contact the KDHE District Office.

13. Which agency has the final authority on regulating open burning?

The base regulations are set by the State of Kansas, more detailed regulations are set by local jurisdictions, depending on the location that can be the city or county fire department.