Frequently Asked Questions

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

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 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height.

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 816.436.4310.

The City of Liberty does allow small, open, recreational fires. No permit is required, but there are specific requirements and limitations.

• The size of a recreational type fire is limited to an area of no more than 3-feet in diameter and 3-feet high.
• The fire must be a minimum of 25 ft. from any structure or combustible surface.
• Before starting the fire and after extinguishing the fire you are required to contact the emergency dispatcher at 816.439.4701 to advise them of the location of the fire.
• The fire must be attended at all times by a responsible adult.
• Water must be available to extinguish the fire.

A recreational fire may not be used to burn off debris from routine brush trimming or a storm, which had damaged trees, etc. One may have to extinguish a recreational fire if it is deemed to present a hazard to surrounding property or if it becomes a nuisance to your neighbors. Recreational fires in any of the city parks are restricted to the barbecue stands provided for that purpose. The fire department may also prohibit a recreational fire due to adverse weather conditions.

For more information on recreational fires contact the Liberty Fire Department at 816.439.4310.

• Chemicals or combustibles that are haphazardly stored
• Storage too close to heat source
• Storage of flammables, such as gasoline, inside a home

Watering trees, shrubs, and grass will reduce risk of fire spreading to your house. Trim trees and shrubs so they are not in contact with your house.

• Do not overload outlets. Outlets are designed to have two plugs.
• Contact a licensed electrician if a fuse blows or a circuit breaker trips.
• Keep electrical appliances away from water.
• Never touch a power line or allow anything you use to come in contact with power lines.

Cooking fires are the most common cause of home fires, but are the most preventable.  Here is how...

• Never leave a stove/oven unattended.
• Roll up sleeves and don’t wear loose-fitting clothes.
• Keep children and pets in a “safe zone” at least three feet away.
• Clean cooking equipment thoroughly.

• Make sure it carries the mark of a nationally-recognized testing laboratory. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Keep the heater at least three feet away from anything that can burn.
• Make sure it includes an automatic shutoff feature in case the unit becomes over-heated or tips over.

• Install a smoke detector on each level of your home and outside sleeping areas. Check batteries monthly and change them twice per year. Keep the alarms clean and free of dust by vacuuming monthly.
• Develop a home escape plan and practice it monthly. Add realism by practicing at night with lights out.

1. Draw a floor plan of your house showing two ways out of every room. Windows should be considered a secondary exit. Make sure every exit is usable.
2. Have a meeting place outside, a safe distance from your home. Call the fire department from your meeting place.
3. Practice your escape plan monthly.