Jefferson County fire districts and departments are amending their regulations for burning vegetative waste to match changes the Missouri Department of Natural Resources implemented earlier this year.
Some cities also are considering making similar changes.
The new DNR burning regulations became effective in February and largely have to do with burning permits and the allowable period for burning, said Hillsboro Fire Protection District Chief Brian Gaudet.
“The two main changes are you no longer need a permit and you can burn year-round now,” Gaudet said. “It was a DNR change and it covers the whole state. However, local jurisdictions may have stricter burning laws.
“Before, you were supposed to have a burning permit. Also, before the changes, you could only burn from Sept. 15 to April 15.”
Vegetative waste includes typical yard waste, such as sticks and leaves, he said.
Gaudet said the Hillsboro Fire District’s Board of Directors has amended its fire code to mirror the DNR regulations.
“We’ve always followed the state,” Gaudet said. “Our code changes went into effect at the end of June.”
Gaudet said Hillsboro Fire never charged for the burning permits it issued, so there will be no financial impact for the district.
Gaudet noted that some cities have outright bans on burning.
Rock Fire
So, do the new state regulations mean anyone can burn anything at any time?
The simple answer is no.
Jeff DeLapp, fire marshal for the Rock Community Fire Protection District in northern Jefferson County, said people must still pay attention to burn warnings issued by firefighting agencies when there are dry or windy conditions.
“They’re still going to have to call us before they burn during certain weather conditions,” DeLapp said.
In addition, what people may burn remains restricted, he said.
“There are things you can’t burn, like tires,” DeLapp said.
According to the DNR website, other items that may not be burned include carpet, used oil, asphalt roofing material, rubber products, plastics, treated wood, any asbestos-containing materials and many other items.
DeLapp said Rock Fire officials have not yet changed the district’s burning regulations, but are looking into it.
“We’re working on it now,” he said.
DeLapp said his district does not charge for burning permits either.
High Ridge Fire
High Ridge Fire Protection District officials also are considering amending their burning regulations, Fire Marshal Ron Tisius said.
“We’re looking into it. We have not done it yet,” he said.
Tisius said High Ridge Fire never charged for burning permits, so it will not be affected financially by the changes either.
Even though no permits will be required if High Ridge Fire adopts the same changes DNR implemented, Tisius stressed that people need to monitor burning conditions and check with their local fire district or department to make sure they will not create a dangerous situation with their burning.
“At any point, a fire district has the power to ban burning based on weather conditions,” he said. “I would say in 2016 we had an extremely dry period and put a ban on burning for a few days. You try to put the word out the best you can.”
Those who ignore codes and burn when there are dry or windy conditions or burn prohibited items could get a visit from local firefighters and face significant fines from the DNR, he said.
“The fire code allows (fire districts and departments) to put out any fire that is deemed a danger,” Tisius said. “If they did an illegal burning, we would put it out and send a report to the DNR, who could issue a fine.”
“Depending on the severity of the violation, the DNR can fine up to $10,000,” Gaudet said. “That still stands, but not for permit violations or burning out of season.”