Open Burning Information

General Information

The Lebanon Fire Department receives numerous questions regarding open burning annually. The open burning of yard debris is permitted within the city limits following certain guidelines, ordinances, and regulations.

The City of Lebanon currently allows open burning of yard waste such as tree limbs, leaves, and brush only providing the waste originated on the property in which it will be burnt on. City Ordinance Chapter 21 Solid Waste, Section 21-21 paragraph (d) prohibits the burning of solid waste such as household trash. For further information please see the Codes & Ordinances section of this website.

Currently no burn permit is necessary for approved open burning providing the fire is no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height. However certain applicable guidelines must be met and followed. Lebanon Fire Department Special Operations Policy SO 6.01 provides guidance on applicable guidelines and regulations. You may view this policy from this website.

In addition the 2006 International Fire Code which has been adopted by the City of Lebanon, Section 307 Open Burning and Recreational Fires provides additional guidance regarding open burning. This complete 2006 International Fire Code may be viewed at Fire Station 1, 370 N. Adams or at City Hall. Section 307 of the fire code is available on this website.

Burn permits from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources are necessary for larger fires such as downed trees from land clearing. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Air Pollution Division provides guidance regarding open burning permits and regulations. Burn permits may be obtained by contacting them at 417-891-4300 or an application can be downloaded from Department of Natural Resources website.

If you have any questions regarding open burning within the City of Lebanon please contact the Lebanon Fire Department at any time.

2006 International Fire Code

307.1 General. A person shall not kindle or maintain or authorize to be kindled or maintained any open burning unless conducted and approved in accordance with this section.

307.1.1 Prohibited open burning. Open burning that is offensive or objectionable because of smoke or odor emissions or when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous shall be prohibited.

307.2 Permit required. A permit shall be obtained from the fire code official in accordance with Section 105.6 prior to kindling a fire for recognized silvicultural or range or wildlife management practices, prevention or control of disease or pest, or a bonfire. 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.

307.2.1 Authorization. Where required by state or local law or regulations, open burning shall only be permitted with prior approval from the state or local air and water quality management authority, provided that all conditions specified in the authorization are followed.

307.3 Extinguishment authority. The fire code official is authorized to order the extinguishment by the permit holder, another person responsible or the fire department of open burning that creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation.

307.4 Location. The location for open burning shall not be less than 50 feet from any structure, and provisions shall be made to prevent the fire from spreading to within 50 feet of any structure.

Exceptions:

1. Fires in approved containers that are not less than 15 feet from a structure.
2. The minimum required distance from a structure shall be 25 feet where the pile size is 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height.

307.4.1 Bonfires. A bonfire shall not be conducted within 50 feet of a structure or combustible material unless the fire is contained in a barbeque pit. Conditions which could cause the fire to spread within 50 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.

307.4.2 Recreational Fires. Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material. Conditions which could cause the fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.

307.5 Attendance. Open burning, bonfires or recreational fires 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.