Fire Department

The Town of Altamont Fire Department's mission is to protect and enhance the quality of life for all citizens and visitors from the adverse effects of natural and man-made emergencies. 

Our goal is to provide a protection program through a cost-efficient approach to emergency response, fire code application and public fire education.

If you are witnessing a crime in progress or are experiencing an emergency, please dial 911.

Utah Open Burn Permit Information

Before starting any open burn in Utah, residents are required by law to obtain a permit. This process ensures that burning is done safely and only when air quality conditions (the "Clearing Index") are favorable.

Official Permit Link: Utah DEQ Open Burn Permit Application

1. Who Needs a Permit?

Permits are required for anyone looking to burn yard waste (clippings, bushes, plants, and prunings) incident to property clean-up.

  • Prohibited Materials: It is illegal to burn trash, garbage, tires, oil, demolition/construction debris, or plastic.

  • Location: You must select your specific county or city within the application, as some local ordinances are stricter than state laws (e.g., Tooele City prohibits open burning year-round).

2. The "Clearing Index" Requirement

The "Clearing Index" is a measure of the atmosphere's ability to disperse smoke. You may only burn if the index is high enough:

  • Attainment Areas: Index must be above 500 (Spring/Fall) or above 250 (Winter).

  • Nonattainment/Maintenance Areas: Index must be above 500.

  • The application portal provides a real-time Clearing Index for today, tomorrow, and the following day.

3. Permitted Burning Windows

Burning is only allowed during specific seasonal windows to manage fire risk and air quality:

  • Spring: April 1st – May 31st

  • Fall: September 15th – October 31st

  • Winter (Attainment Areas only): November 1st – March 31st

Note: From June 1st to October 31st, additional permits from the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands (FFSL) may be required due to increased wildfire risk.

4. Types of Permits & Fees

Depending on your location and needs, different permits may apply:

  • Open Burn Permit: Typically for yard waste and tree trimmings.

  • Agricultural Burn Permit: For recognized agricultural operations (often valid for 2 years).

  • Recreational Burn Permit: For specific cooking fires or fire pits (may require a one-day fee and inspection).

5. How to Apply

  1. Visit the Online Application Portal.

  2. Select your County or City from the dropdown menu.

  3. Choose the Permit Type.

  4. Check the Clearing Index displayed on the page. If the index is too low, the system will not allow you to complete the permit.

  5. Fill out your contact information and the location of the burn.

  6. Submit. Once approved, keep a digital or physical copy of your permit on-site during the burn.

Important Safety Reminders

  • Winds: Do not burn if winds are greater than 15 mph.

  • Supervision: Fires must be attended at all times by a responsible adult. 

  • PROPERTY OWNER will be liable if Fire escapes control.

  • Extinguishment: Have a water source (hose/shovels) ready. All fires must be completely extinguished if a complaint is received or if weather conditions change. All Fire must be out cold, with no heat by dusk.

  • Notifications: All controlled burns must be reported to Central Dispatch after receiving your burn permit
    number, call dispatch before you burn (435)789-4222 or (435) 738-2424

  • Burn window may close early due to fire weather conditions