Definitions

(1) “State Forester” means the director of the Division of Forestry or authorized representative. (2) “Open-air fire” means any fire, whether or not confined, burning in the outdoors within 500 feet of any forest, grassland, or woodland. Open-air fire includes but is not limited to woody- debris fires, agricultural and silvicultural fires, and cooking and warming fires. Open-air fire does not include ceremonial fires, fireworks, or cooking-grill fires. (3) “Permit” means documentation of permission granted by the State Forester or the State Forester’s authorized representative allowing the permittee to conduct an open-air fire. (4) “Burning-permit season” is from 8 a.m. local time on October 15 through 11:59 p.m. local time on May 15. (5) “Hazardous burning conditions” means that the Division of Forestry’s parameters for safe open-air fires have been exceeded. (6) “Extreme fire hazard conditions” means that the Division of Forestry’s parameters indicate that any open-air fire would create a significant public risk. (7) “Burning ban” means a declaration by the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture forbidding any open-air fire in any area of the state. (8) “Seasonal permit” means a single permit that is in effect for an extended period.