Outdoor Burning

Outdoor Commercial Burning

Outdoor burning for the purpose of clearing off land for construction or for storm debris removal is prohibited by Liberty City ordinance.

Outdoor Burning of Brush

The burning of tree trunks, tree limbs, leaves, brush and untreated wood requires an application for a burn permit to be made by the individual who owns the property where the outdoor burning will take place. 

The application must be completed and turned into the fire department for approval. After submittal of the application, the site is inspected by the fire department to determine if the site meets requirements for size and distance from other properties and buildings. If the fire department approves the burn application, a burn permit will be issued. The permit will be valid for 90 days unless otherwise noted on the permit. 

The Liberty Fire Department retains the authority to prohibit burning if hazardous weather conditions exist and to extinguish a fire that becomes a nuisance. All rules and regulations associated with open burning must be followed. If it is discovered that the rules and regulations were violated, the fire department may at their discretion suspend or revoke the burn permit. If the open burning site is within 200 yards of an occupied structure signed waivers from each property owner must be submitted with the burn permit application. 

The location for open burning shall not be less than 50 feet from any structure, and provisions shall be made to prevent the fire from spreading to within 50 feet of any structure.

            Exceptions:

            1. Fires in approved containers that are not less than 15 feet from a structure.

            2. The minimum required distance from a structure shall be 25 feet where the pile size is three feet or less in diameter and two feet or less in height.

Bonfires and Recreational Fires

A bonfire shall not be conducted within 50 feet of a structure or combustible material unless the fire is contained in a barbecue pit. Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 50 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.

Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material. Conditions which could cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.

Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material.

Exception: Portable outdoor fireplaces used at one and two-family dwellings. 

The application for a burn permit through the Liberty Fire Department is available online. More information about the City of Liberty’s regulations on open burning is also available by contacting the Liberty Fire Department at 816.439.4310.