Apply for an Open Fire Permit

The Fire Marshal's Office grants open fire permits.

What you will need for the application:

• Type of open fire permit needed:
  • camp fire
  • bonfire
  • ceremonial fire
  • religious fire
• Information for responsible party
• Date of proposed fire
• Burning material
• Location
• Start and end time of fire
• Fire operator information

You must submit your permit five days prior to the event.

• Detailed site plan required
  • proposed location of the open fire site
  • the distance (in feet) of open fire in relation to any structures and vegetation in the area
  • Note location and type of extinguishing equipment
• Fire must be located more than 50 feet from any structure
• Prior to ignition you must eliminate any conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure
• A competent person of legal age must constantly attend to all fires until they are extinguished
  • They must have a garden hose connected to the water supply or other fire-extinguishing equipment readily available for use
• You can’t burn material that produces toxic or harmful gases, such as plastic or rubber products
  • In addition, you can’t burn trash and/or yard waste
• Your open fire is limited to 4 feet wide by 4 feet long by 5 feet high
• The The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) can advise you to immediately extinguish the fire if they determine the smoke or fire is a nuisance or a hazard.
• Only clean wood or charcoal may be used for burning
• Permits may be revoked if a burn ban is issued by the County
• You MUST notify fire dispatch at (813) 272-6653 on the day of the burn

1. Download the application
2. Submit by mail or in person to:
   Hillsborough County Fire Marshal’s Office
   Attn: Jadi Flores or Betty Rodriguez
   9450 E. Columbus Dr.
   Tampa, Fl. 33619

1. Turn in the permit application at five business days prior to your open fire 
2. We will process the application
3. An inspector will come out and inspect the proposed open fire site
4. If approved,the inspector will issue you the permit at the conclusion of the inspection