Can I have a backyard fire? Do I need a burn permit?

Open burning & fires — South Kingstown, Rhode Island: South Kingstown Burn Permit Ordinance

In the Town of South Kingstown, Rhode Island, open burning & fires rules are set by South Kingstown Burn Permit Ordinance, verified 2026-06-05. A permit is required. Permit issuer: chief of the fire department or his authorized representative.

South Kingstown Burn Permit Ordinance adopted ordinance

permit required	yes	No person shall set or maintain any bonfire... without a permit
permit issuer	chief of the fire department or his authorized representative	issued by the chief of the fire department
allowed conditions	Only cut brush, untreated wood, leaves from permitted address; Term I Oct 1-Feb 28 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Term II Mar 1-Sep 30 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.; bonfires >=50 ft from structures	Permits shall only be valid during the following

scout note

Open burning requires Fire Chief permit. Term I: Oct 1-Feb 28 (7am-11pm). Term II: Mar 1-Sep 30 (5pm-11pm). Only cut brush, untreated wood and leaves allowed. Bonfires 50ft from structures; open fires 25ft from structures, 10ft from property lines. Recreational fires exempt but must be 10ft from property lines.