We have an informal burn authorization system. Open burning, by any individual (INCLUDING CONTRACTORS) of yard debris, clean/untreated wood – i.e. fallen limbs, trash in a barrel, brush (in a contained area), for examples; is permitted.
The Fire Marshal determines the burn status. Burn permits are issued for one day only. This is done to protect not only surrounding structures, property and lives but also to protect the safety of our firefighters.
The criteria for a burn day is:
1) Winds less than 10 miles per hour
2) Humidity over 30% according to the National Weather Service for Sunrise Beach (65079).
3) The conditions are determined to be favorable for burning as determined by the Fire Marshal or Fire Chief.
For example: if the humidity is lower than 30%, we have a dry spell or for some reason the Department of Conservation or DNR request no burning, we abide by their request.
Open burning is the burning of any materials in which air contaminants are emitted directly into the air without first passing through a stack or chimney.