Burn Permits

Conditions

The City of Douglas does allow burning by the public as long as the following conditions are met:

• The person conducting the burn has obtained a burn permit.
• The material to be burned is natural (no plastics, petroleum products, hazardous materials, treated wood, building materials, or similar items).
• The person conducting the burn has a sufficient water supply and tools available to put the fire out immediately if required to do so.
• Open burn piles must be at least 50 feet from a structure and contained burning must be at least 15 feet from a structure.
• Burn piles will be a sufficient distance from the neighboring property to not encroach on them and will not be under any overhead utilities.
• The Fire Department must be contacted to come and evaluate the burn site before burning begins.
• No burning is allowed during times or high wind, high fire danger, burn bans, poor air quality days, or other days deemed unsafe or suitable for burning by the fire chief or his designee. If the burn permit is issued for such a day the fire department will work with the person conducting the burn to pick another more suitable day with no extra charge to the burner.
• The fire will be attended at all times.
• The burner is still liable for following all laws, regulations, and ordinances while burning. Issuance of a burn permit does not remove liability for any damage or injury from the person burning.
• If the burn is found to be a nuisance to the public, inhibit use of roads or airports, or is deemed otherwise unsafe after starting the fire must immediately be put out.

Burn permits do not need to be purchased for heating or cooking fires.