However, in certain areas small burn piles are permitted and in some areas burning pine needles and leaves is a necessary precaution for avoiding dangerous wildfires. ... Burning pine needles and leaves should be done safely and with proper planning.

Can you burn pine needles in fire pit?

3: The smoke is toxic

Coniferous needles contain nitrogen and substances called terpenes which are highly toxic when burned, making the smoke in your fire pit unsafe for you and others around your fire pit to breathe.

What happens if you burn pine needles?

"When roots, leaves and needles get burned, these chemicals can be released without modification into the atmosphere," Liskin said. "They can be translated as aerosol particles hundreds or thousands of miles. It is possible that there is an impact on humans, animals, and that they get into the groundwater."