Benton County, Indiana
Open burning is currently prohibited in Benton county. The order took effect on October 13, 2026 (Countywide Burn Ban).
What this means
- Open burning of yard waste, brush and debris
- Trash and vegetation burning of any kind
- Warming fires and unattended fires outdoors
- Small cooking fires (grill, camp stove)
Penalties in Indiana
Under IDEM open-burning regulations (326 IAC 4-1), civil penalties can reach $2,500 per day per violation. Local burn-ban ordinances add separate misdemeanor penalties.
Classification: Local ordinance violation · Maximum fine: up to $2,500 per day (state open-burn rules)
Recent status history
- Oct 13, 2026 — Burn Ban in Effect
- Sep 1, 2026 — No Restrictions
Sources & audit log
| Checked | Source | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 1, 2026 | Indiana Department of Homeland Security ↗ | status: Burn Ban in Effect |
Neighbouring counties
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Still legal during a ban
None of these are a way around Benton county's restriction — they're what stays legal regardless of it: contained burning, screened fire pits, and basic fire safety gear. Always confirm locally before burning anything.
Contained burn barrels
A lidded, spark-arrestor barrel keeps debris burning contained rather than as open burning — check your county's rules, since some bans cover any outdoor fire regardless of containment.
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Most burn bans target open debris burning, not a screened recreational fire pit — but always confirm locally, since some restrictions cover any outdoor flame.
Fire extinguishers
Always worth having on hand near any permitted fire, ban or no ban.
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Limits of this information
burnbanradar reads public burn-ban orders as published by Indiana Department of Homeland Security and reports them unchanged. Cities and municipalities within Benton county may impose stricter rules than the county order. Water districts and state forestry rules may add further restrictions. When an order is ambiguous or the source cannot be reached, we show Unconfirmed instead of guessing a status. The county's own posted order governs.
Common questions
Is Benton county under a burn ban right now?
Yes. Benton county is currently under a burn ban issued by Indiana Department of Homeland Security, effective since October 13, 2026. Open burning is prohibited until the order is lifted.
When did the Benton burn ban start?
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security order took effect on October 13, 2026 (Countywide Burn Ban). It stays in effect until conditions improve or the order is formally lifted.
What can I still burn in Benton county during this ban?
During a burn ban, small cooking fires (grills, camp stoves) typically remain allowed. Open burning of yard waste, brush, debris, and trash is prohibited. Consult the county order or fire marshal for exceptions — some jurisdictions permit specific commercial activities.
How do I report an illegal fire in Benton county?
Call 911 for any fire that is out of control or threatens property. For non-emergency violations of a burn-ban order, contact the Benton Sheriff's Office or fire marshal.