Cook County government requires open burning permits in suburban and unincorporated Cook County to protect life, property and prevent forest fires and false fire alarms. The regulations stipulate the conditions under which open burning may occur. Open burning permits also give authorities prior notice to any burn.
Open burning permits are required, but not limited to the following burning situations:
- Prairie Burn
- Pan Fire Training
- Sectional Building Fires (for training purposes)
- Landscape Waste
- Air Curtain Incinerator for Landscape Waste
Note: The above list does not cover all burning situations in which an open burning permit is required. For the complete list of the criteria for legal and illegal open burning, please refer to the Cook County Ordinance, or call this office (312)603-8200.
As of December 1, 2017, the Cook County Department of Environmental Control is now the Department of Environment and Sustainability.
Open Burning Permit Application Policy (22.2 KB) Open Burn Application (99.39 KB) Open Burn Municipal Policy (55.55 KB)