Open Burning Information

General Information

The Lebanon Fire Department often gets questions about open burning in the city. Here’s what you need to know:

• Open Burning Guidelines: You can burn yard waste like tree branches, leaves, and brush as long as it comes from your own property and it is not causing problems for our neighbors. Burning household trash is not allowed.
• Fire Size: No permit is needed if your fire is no larger than 3 feet wide and 2 feet high.
• Fire Code Information: The 2006 International Fire Code, which Lebanon follows, has extra rules about open burning. You can view this at Fire Station 1 (370 N. Adams) or City Hall. Part of this code is also available on the city’s website.
• Larger Fires: For burning bigger items like fallen trees from land clearing, a burn permit from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is needed. Contact them at (417) 891-4300 or visit their website to download a permit application.

Safety Rules

• Keep your fire at least 50 feet away from buildings unless it’s in an approved container, which can be 15 feet away.
• Smaller fires (3 feet wide and 2 feet high) must be at least 25 feet from a building.
• Bonfires should be 50 feet from any structure unless in a barbecue pit.
• Recreational fires should be at least 25 feet from buildings.

Supervision: Always watch your fire until it is completely out. Have a fire extinguisher or other way to put it out nearby, like sand, water, or a garden hose.

If you have questions about open burning, please contact the Lebanon Fire Department.