Connecticut § 23-49a - Declaration of burning ban; special burning permit; penalty; exemptions.
Full text of Connecticut Connecticut General Statutes § 23-49a — Declaration of burning ban; special burning permit; penalty; exemptions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 23-49a. Declaration of burning ban; special burning permit; penalty; exemptions.
Sec. 23-49a. Declaration of burning ban; special burning permit; penalty; exemptions. (a) No person shall kindle or use fire in the open air within one hundred feet of woodland, brushland, or area containing dried grass that is adjacent to any woodland or brushland, when the forest fire danger, as declared by the State Forest Fire Warden, is high or extreme, or during a drought emergency as declared by the State Forest Fire Warden. When weather conditions indicate that such forest fire danger exists, the State Forest Fire Warden shall make public announcement of the fact, using such news media as may be available and the provisions of this section shall then be in effect until cancelled by said warden.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision of subsection (a) of this section to the contrary, an owner of land or an agent of such owner may apply to the State Forest Fire Warden or designee of said warden for a special burning permit during such period of burning ban. If the State Forest Fire Warden or designee is of the opinion that the proposed burning is of immediate necessity, will not be in conflict with local or state regulatory authority, and that the permittee has the necessary equipment and manpower to confine the fire, the State Forest Fire Warden may issue a special burning permit stating the location, time and conditions under which such burning is to be effected.
(c) Any person who violates any of the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall be fined not more than two hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than six months or both.
(d) Nothing contained in this section shall limit any duly authorized public authority from carrying out their assigned duties where the use of fire is necessary to the reduction of a health or fire hazard.
(1969, P.A. 671, S. 1–4; P.A. 01-150, S. 14.)
History: P.A. 01-150 amended Subsec. (b) to authorize the State Forest Fire Warden or the warden's designee to issue special burning permits, deleted reference to the fire warden of the district and made technical changes in Subsecs. (a) and (b) for purposes of gender neutrality.
Source: official Connecticut text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut § 23-49a
What does Connecticut General Statutes § 23-49a cover?
Section 23-49a ("Declaration of burning ban; special burning permit; penalty; exemptions.") is part of the Connecticut General Statutes, the codified statutory law of Connecticut. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Connecticut § 23-49a?
A common citation format is "Connecticut General Statutes § 23-49a" (Connecticut). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Connecticut law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Connecticut official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Connecticut attorney.
How does Connecticut § 23-49a apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Connecticut can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Connecticut.