Cleared for Burning?

What to Know Before You Light Biomass (Green) Waste

Before you light a match to burn your garden, landscaping, or agricultural waste, make sure you know the local rules! Lighting a burn pile without the proper permits can result in hefty fines and legal penalties.

Open burning is strictly prohibited in urban areas due to safety and pollution risks. It is generally restricted to rural areas (campo) and heavily regulated or banned entirely during high-risk wildfire seasons—typically from June 1 to October 15, though exact dates vary by region.

If you are lucky enough to live out in the campo, you must request a burn permit (permiso de quema or Declaración Responsable de quema) from your local Town Hall (Ayuntamiento). In some regions, such as Murcia, you must navigate both the regional government (Comunidad Autónoma de la Región de Murcia - CARM) and your local town council.

Permit validity periods vary; some last only 30 days, while others are issued annually with seasonal restrictions. Check with your Town Hall regarding validity periods of your burn permit.

 Even with a valid permit, you must adhere to mandatory safety rules. These require you to:

• Burn only during designated morning hours.

• Maintain a safe distance from forests and buildings.

• Prepare clear firebreaks and have water ready.

• Monitor the fire continuously until it is completely extinguished.

While burning, you must keep your ID, a copy of the permit, and a phone pre-saved with emergency numbers on hand. Note that burning is automatically prohibited on any local or national holidays, even if they fall on a designated agricultural burn day.

Contact us if you need help understanding the rules or need assistance applying for a burn permit.

Stay safe and burn responsibly!