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Filing an Open Burning Complaint Important: As always, if you have an emergency situation, dial 911 to access local emergency services. The resources listed below do not involve emergency responders. If you know the person that is burning and feel comfortable talking with them, it is often best to make the first contact yourself, but if the person is antagonistic or violent then it’s better to report the situation to some other authority as explained below. Municipal Enforcement: Many towns or cities have ordinances that prohibit the open burning of trash or in some cases even leaves and brush. Local Fire Wardens are there to prevent wild fires not to enforce environmental regulations. Although their authority in environmental situations is limited, many of them will seek voluntary compliance from people burning trash. Local Health Officers may also investigate complaints about illegal trash burning. Depending on the town, local fire departments may respond to complaints about illegal trash burning in addition to providing emergency fire suppression services. Solid Waste Management Districts: Some solid waste management districts have ordinances prohibiting trash burning which they enforce using county sheriffs or their own enforcement officers. Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation: Enforcement Division: You can file a formal complaint with the Enforcement Division at (802) 241-3820. The Enforcement Division has regional enforcement officers that investigate potential violations of environmental regulations including illegal burning. More information on filing complaints with the Enforcement Division can be accessed. Air Pollution Control Division: You can also file a complaint with the Air Pollution Control Division at (802) 241-3840 or toll free at (888) 520-4879.
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