With the weather warming up, it’s important to remember the rules regarding open burning. Below are the regulations for burning which are applicable in the City of Ottumwa.
A permit shall be obtained from the fire code official (Fire Marshal) in accordance with section 105.6 prior to kindling a fire for recognized silvicultural, range or wildlife management practices, prevention or control of disease or pests, bonfire, construction clearing, disaster or storm damage removal by city request, other open burning permits allowed by adopted fire code. Application for such approval shall only be presented by and permits issued to the owner of the land upon which the fire is to be kindled, or company hired to conduct such open burning.
Extinguishment authority – The fire code official is authorized to order the extinguishment by the responsible person or the fire department, of any burning that creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation, or open burning that is objectionable because of smoke or odor emissions, or a required permit for open burning has not been obtained, or conditions of permit are not being followed.
Recreational Fire – An outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, portable outdoor fireplace, barbeque grill or barbeque pit and has a total fuel area of 3 feet (914 mm) or less in diameter and 2 feet (610 mm) or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes.
Recreational fires– Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure or combustible material. Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet (7620 mm) of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
Portable or approved by fire code official permanent outdoor fireplaces. Portable or permanent outdoor fireplaces shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the following:
- Only fire wood that is dry can be used.
- Constantly attended by an adult.
- An approved method of extinguishment is present during use.
- Must not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material
Prohibited open burning– Open burning shall be prohibited when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous.
Attendance– Open burning, bonfires, recreational fires and use of portable outdoor fireplaces shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher complying with Section 906 with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization.
Sec. 31½-4. – Burning of garbage, rubbish, plastics and waste oil prohibited; declared a nuisance – It shall be unlawful for anyone to burn garbage, rubbish, plastics and waste oil within the city; such burning is hereby declared a nuisance and is hereby prohibited and a violation of this section.
