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City Lights: Most burning inside city not allowed, but some exceptions
by Kevin Stoolman, Fire Chief · Op-Ed · April 09, 2015
As we move into the spring, the City of West Branch Fire Department would like to remind residents that burning leaves is prohibited within the city limits.
There is however, a process for applying for a burn permit on your property. That process is explained in Chapter 105 of the City Code. Other than cooking and grilling food, all other open burning requires a burn permit approved by the Fire Chief.
Forms are available on the City Web site under the “Residents” tab on the “Forms” page or at the West Branch City Office, located at 110 N. Poplar Street.
The most commonly requested permit is for bonfires. These requests can be approved by the Fire Chief. Most people making requests in this category are seeking to use a fire pit. We ask that residents plan ahead for proper fire control and locate the fire at least 15 feet from any wood or frame structure, fence, tree, hedge or property line. Please remember to have a water source available close at hand, and we also ask that you remain at the fire until it is properly extinguished.
There are four additional categories of fires which are allowed in the Code with the permission of the Fire Chief. These are very rarely applied for and/or permitted and include burning disaster rubbish (only during an official emergency declaration), prescribed agricultural burns, fire department training fires, and campfires. Any type of open burning not falling into one of these categories requires the approval of not only the Fire Chief, but also the City Council.
After you complete your burn permit application, please drop it off at the City Office. City staff will make sure that your application is forwarded to me. After my review and approval, you will receive a copy of your burn permit in the mail. Remember, burn permits are good for one year, so we ask that you fill out another permit each year. This provides a yearly reminder to follow the above-mentioned fire safety tips.
The Fire Department would also ask you to be considerate with your neighbors. Many of us like to open our windows this time of the year. If the wind is blowing the smoke from your fire in the direction of a neighbor’s window, please extinguish your fire and plan to have a fire another night. If you have any other questions, please feel free contact the City Office at (319) 643-5888.
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