OPEN BURNING INFORMATION

- PURPOSE AND SCOPE

The purpose of this SOP is to establish standardized procedures for regulating, permitting, inspecting, and enforcing open burning within the jurisdiction of the Ozark Fire Protection District in a manner consistent with the 2024 International Fire Code as locally amended by Resolution 2026.01 , Missouri Department of Natural Resources regulations, and applicable federal air-quality requirements. This SOP applies to all open burning, recreational fires, bonfires, ceremonial fires, prescribed burning, land-clearing fires, and vegetative waste burning occurring within the District.

 

- POLICY

It is the policy of the Ozark Fire Protection District that open burning is prohibited except where specifically authorized by the 2024 International Fire Code, as locally amended by Resolution 2026.01, Missouri Department of Natural Resources regulations under 10 CSR 10-6.045, applicable federal air-quality requirements, and any local municipal restrictions within the District’s jurisdiction. All open burning activities shall be conducted in a manner that protects life, property, air quality, and the environment, and shall comply with all established weather limitations, time restrictions, material limitations, and permit requirements. The Fire Code Official may deny, suspend, revoke, or order the immediate extinguishment of any fire that creates an unsafe condition, nuisance, roadway visibility hazard, public health concern, or violation of local, state, or federal law.

 

- PROCEDURE

All requests for open burning, inspections, complaints, and enforcement actions shall follow the procedures below.

 

– ALLOWABLE OPEN BURNING

Open burning may be allowed when the material originates on the same property and is limited to materials authorized by state law and the 2024 IFC. Allowable burning includes:

• Recreational and ceremonial fires

  • campfires

  • bonfires

  • ceremonial fires

  • outdoor cooking fires

• Vegetative yard waste that originates from the property where the Open Burning is being conducted

  • leaves

  • brush

  • limbs

  • tree trimmings

  • natural vegetation

• ​Agricultural and land management burning

  • Fence rows
  • crop residue
  • pasture management
  • habitat management
  • storm debris of natural vegetation

• Land clearing fires that originates from the property where the Open Burning is being conducted.

  • natural vegetative debris

  • untreated wood from site clearing where otherwise allowed by Missouri DNR

 

Open burning is prohibited within the boundaries of the City of Fremont Hills. Household refuse burning is prohibited within the city limits of Ozark and Fremont Hills.

 

– PROHIBITED MATERIALS

The following materials shall not be burned under any circumstance except where specifically authorized by state or federal permit:

• Petroleum-based products

  • tires

  • asphalt roofing

  • carpet

  • rubber

  • used oils

• Trade waste or business waste

• Construction and demolition debris

• Treated, painted, stained, glued, engineered, or composite wood products

• Plastics, foam products, or Styrofoam

• Household appliances, furniture, or durable goods

• Hazardous materials or asbestos-containing materials

• Any material creating toxic smoke, nuisance conditions, or roadway visibility hazards

 

– PERMITTING AND NOTIFICATION

A burn permit or District authorization may be required when:

• The burn exceeds recreational fire limits under IFC 2024 Section 307

• Bonfires

• The burn occurs during elevated fire danger

• The burn is for land clearing, agricultural management, or storm debris

• The burn occurs within or near subdivisions, commercial occupancies, schools, churches, or roadways

• Smoke may affect public travel routes

• Missouri DNR or local air-quality rules require additional authorization The applicant shall provide:

  • burn location

  • responsible party name and contact number

  • materials to be burned

  • proposed ignition time and extinguishment plan

  • water supply or suppression method

  • confirmation that the material originated on-site

The AHJ may deny any permit based on weather, drought, staffing, complaint history, or exposure concerns.

 

– OPERATIONAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

All approved open burning shall comply with the following minimum safety requirements:

• A competent adult shall remain in constant attendance until the fire is fully extinguished.

• A water source, charged hose line, portable extinguisher, skid unit, or hand tools shall be immediately available.

• Fires shall be located a minimum distance from structures, property lines, combustible fences, roadways, and combustible vegetation in accordance with 2024 IFC Section 307 and any greater distance required by the AHJ.

• Burning shall not be conducted when:

  • red flag warnings are in effect

  • sustained winds create unsafe spread potential

  • smoke impacts road visibility

  • drought alerts or burn bans exist

  • atmospheric conditions prevent smoke lift

• Fires shall be completely extinguished before the responsible party leaves the area.

• The AHJ may require fire department standby, fire watch, or apparatus assignment for large burns.

• Burning shall only occur between 6:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. unless otherwise specifically approved by the Fire Code Official.

 

– ENFORCEMENT, SUSPENSION, AND EXTINGUISHMENT

District personnel are authorized to order the immediate extinguishment of any open burning activity when:

• unauthorized materials are present

• the fire becomes unattended

• weather conditions become unsafe

• smoke creates a nuisance or visibility hazard

• fire spread threatens exposures

• a public complaint is substantiated

• the burn violates state, federal, county, municipal, or District restrictions

Where violations involve illegal disposal, air-quality violations, or environmental concerns, the District shall coordinate with:

• Missouri Department of Natural Resources

• local law enforcement

• emergency management

• county or municipal code officials as needed

 

– DEFINITIONS

Open Burning – The burning of materials where emissions pass directly into the atmosphere without a chimney or stack.

Recreational Fire – An outdoor fire used for pleasure, ceremony, warmth, or cooking.

Vegetative Waste – Trees, limbs, leaves, brush, and natural organic yard debris.

AHJ – The Fire Chief, Fire Marshal, or designee responsible for enforcement.

Burn Ban – A temporary prohibition on open burning due to fire weather, drought, or public safety concerns.