A PERMIT IS NOT REQUIRED; for those fires which include recreation, referring to camp-outs, backyard bar-b-ques, wiener roasts, etc.  These fires must be contained to a 3'x3'x3' high size utilizing only dry-seasoned wood.

The intent of an Open Burning Permit is to allow residents of the City of Kirksville to burn vegetation waste such as leaves, yard clippings, tree limbs (small in diameter and length), garden residue, etc.  This does not include tree trimming and/or removal by commercial means.

Bonfires are considered those used during ceremonial purposes such as at pep-rallies at schools, fraternity and sorority functions, etc.  These do not include fires for the purpose of cooking and/or camp-outs, etc., as defined above.  Bonfires are to be no larger than 5'x5'x5' in height with a maximum duration of three (3) hours.  Fuel for the bonfire shall consist of only seasoned dry firewood and ignited with a small quantity of paper, no accelerant such as kerosene, diesel fuel, gasoline, etc., shall be used.

 In all cases, open burning shall be conducted at least 50' from any structure and safety precautions and provisions shall be provided to prevent the fire from spreading to within 50' of any structure.  This shall include provisions of a garden hose or appropriate amount of water or fire extinguishing methods to be provided.

In all cases of open burning, supervision by a responsible individual is required at all times until the fuel is completely consumed or extinguished.

In no case shall solid waste materials such as household refuse, stumps, large tree limbs, animal waste, food debris, etc., be utilized or burned during any open burning.

Open burning is banned on City right-of-ways, alleys or streets.

Open burning is allowed as a convenience to the Citizens of Kirksville.  It shall be prohibited and/or extinguished if it is found to be offensive or objectionable due to the smoke, odor, or circumstances such as weather, wind, etc., which make the fire a hazard to life and/or property. 

Burning times, dates, conditions, etc., are the responsibility of the applicant and shall be approved by the Fire Official.  In all cases, the applicant is responsible for notification to the Fire Department of the specific times and dates and of any variance from the permit as issued.

Any specific questions on the part of the applicant shall be addressed to the Kirksville Fire Department indicating reference to the burn permit or in the case of a recreational fire, etc., requiring no permit at (660)785-6946 or 401 North Franklin, Kirksville, Missouri.