FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
As fall has arrived, the Springfield Fire Department hopes you are able to get outside and enjoy this beautiful time of year. If your fall plans include having an outdoor recreational fire, please keep in mind that this year alone, the Springfield Fire Department has responded to more than 300 calls for unauthorized burning. Open burning is not allowed in the City limits except for specific situations that require a bonfire permit.
Please review the tips below for safe outdoor burning.
- There must be a means of extinguishing the fire present at all times.
- A fire will not be allowed if the winds are 15 miles per hour or greater.
- Total fuel size is limited to a maximum of 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.
- The fuel may consist of only dry, seasoned firewood.
- The fire must not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible materials.
- The fire may be ignited by using only a small quantity of paper.
- The fire must not burn for longer than four hours and must be extinguished by midnight of the day it was started.
- A fire will not be allowed if it creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation (if the smoke or odor emissions is staying low to the ground and is offensive).
- Grass, leaves or any other type of yard waste cannot be burned and should be taken to the yard waste recycling centers for disposal: https://www.springfieldmo.gov/491/Yardwaste-Recycling-Center
“Fire alarms play a vital role in saving lives and should be replaced every 10 years,” said Fire Chief David Pennington. If you need a new smoke alarm visit https://www.springfieldmo.gov/1990/Smoke-Alarms or contact the Springfield Fire Department at [email protected] or 417-874-2300 to request a free smoke alarm.
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For media only: For more information, call the Springfield Fire Department media line at 417-874-2301.