Open Burn Regulations

Application to Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical for permit to burn is required under City of Lawrence Ordinance 7051.

Applicant must show the following:

• the wood that is to be burned was generated on the property for which the permit is issued
• the amount of wood to be burned or size of area that is to be burned is provided with adequate fire suppression equipment and personnel on site at all times during the operation
• the open burning is to dispose of "clean, dry wood" ONLY.
• a site map of the location of the burning operation in regard to public roadways and all buildings within 1500 feet.
• a statement that a responsible adult in each occupied dwelling within 1500 feet or less of the proposed open burn site was notified of the intended burn.

Upon receipt of the above items and determination by the Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical Department that the amount of wood to be burned and the location of the burn does not appear to constitute a fire hazard, a letter to that effect will be provided. The Lawrence-Douglas county Fire Medical Department does not evaluate the request to any environmental impact.

Issuance of Permit to Burn

Applicant must complete a burning permit from the Lawrence Douglas County Fire Medical Department as required in Ordinance 7051.

The Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical Department will issue a permit to burn under the following conditions:

• the material to be burned consists ONLY of clean, dry wood.
• the wind speed shall not be greater than 8 mph in congested areas and 12 mph in non-congested areas at the time of the burning operation. Wind speed must be obtained by contacting one of the LDCFM stations prior to beginning burning operations.
• the size and location of the wood to be burned does not pose a fire hazard.
• the fire may not be started prior to one-half hour after sunrise and must be extinguished prior to one-half hour prior to sunset.
• the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Air Inspection and Enforcement Section for the Bureau of Air and Waste Management, has issued a written authorization to burn pursuant to Kansas Administrative Regulations.

For Additional Information Contact:

Division Chief Rich Barr
Office: (785) 830-7003
E-mail: rbarr@ci.lawrence.ks.us