Open Burning Suspended in Ellington

The open burning of brush is regulated by the Town of Ellington in conjunction with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). Open burning is highly restricted and is inappropriate for the purpose of clearing downed trees and tree limbs resulting from the most recent storm, e.g., it is unlawful in all circumstances to burn materials (brush) larger than three (3) inches in diameter as a part of the open burning program.

Open burning of green wood is difficult and, at best, inefficient. It most often requires the introduction of a flammable or combustible liquid into the ignition process, which can be dangerous to the extreme and it generates large amounts of non-combusted particulate matter (smoke) into the atmosphere.

Tree trunk parts, limbs and heavy branches must be disposed of by either stockpiling, placement curbside for state/town pick-up, chipping, or disposal off-site at the town brush dump, Greencycle or some other commercial facility. There are no other recommendable alternatives for disposal of that material. 

The town offers an additional alternative for specific disposal of tree toppings and brush, generally, but only if the diameter does not exceed three (3) inches. The Ellington Open Burning Program can be utilized for disposal of brush, only. However, in an effort to promote safety to the public while also offering that alternative, the following conditions are being implemented:

• The Ellington Open Burning Program is being suspended, effective immediately. The program will be reactivated on March 1, 2012, with all of the regulations attendant thereto in full force and effect, except that the permit fee shall be waived for all purposes through April 30, 2012. On May 1, 2012, the permit fee will again become applicable.

This will give light brush the opportunity to dry out but, obviously, will not be fully “seasoned.” It is the intention that this drying process will eliminate any impulse to introduce flammable or combustible liquids into the ignition process and should generate less smoke, which is the primary purpose of the CT-DEEP regulations.

The entire Open Burning Program is described on the Town Web site: www.ellington-ct.gov under the section “Town Services” and “Fire Marshal.” Questions may be directed to the Ellington Department of Town Fire Marshal.