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