McHenry County, North Dakota
Open burning is currently prohibited in McHenry county. The order took effect on August 12, 2026 (County-declared Emergency restricting open burning — on file through 2026-11-16).
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 North Dakota
Under N.D.C.C. § 37-17.1-10.1, willfully violating a burn restriction established by a county or city order is a class B misdemeanor; § 12.1-32-01 sets the class B misdemeanor ceiling at 30 days' imprisonment, a $1,500 fine, or both.
Classification: Class B misdemeanor · Maximum fine: up to $1,500, up to 30 days in jail, or both
Recent status history
- Aug 12, 2026 — Burn Ban in Effect
Sources & audit log
| Checked | Source | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 21, 2026 | North Dakota Department of Emergency Services ↗ | status: Burn Ban in Effect |
Neighbouring counties
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Still legal during a ban
None of these are a way around McHenry 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 North Dakota Department of Emergency Services and reports them unchanged. Cities and municipalities within McHenry 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 McHenry county under a burn ban right now?
Yes. McHenry county is currently under a burn ban issued by North Dakota Department of Emergency Services, effective since August 12, 2026. Open burning is prohibited until the order is lifted.
When did the McHenry burn ban start?
The North Dakota Department of Emergency Services order took effect on August 12, 2026 (County-declared Emergency restricting open burning — on file through 2026-11-16). It stays in effect until conditions improve or the order is formally lifted.
What can I still burn in McHenry 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 McHenry 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 McHenry Sheriff's Office or fire marshal.