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City allows 'open burning' for 4 months

By Jeff Haldiman and Bob Watson NT@newstribune.com

Published: Monday, November 16, 2009 4:46 AM CST

As some Jefferson City residents have tried to eliminate those many, many leaves piled up across their yards, firefighters have had several “teachable moments” - that burning leaves inside the city is against the law.

Except for the next four months, because the ordinance allows open burning from Nov. 15-March 15.

“From sunrise to sunset, you're allowed to burn on your property, yard waste only - sticks, grass clippings and vegetation,” said Jason Turner, the Fire Department's education officer.

Turner said the restriction to burning only yard waste is a serious one.

“Paper products and cardboard products - if the wind catches them, they can travel a far distance and can create a safety issue,” he explained, noting several instances of fires that got out of control and caused damage to neighbors' property.

“We encourage people to follow the ordinance and, if they have any questions, to look on the Web site,” Turner said. “All the information is listed there, or call us and we'll be glad to guide them through it.”

The city's Web site, www.jeffcitymo.org, has a link to the basic news release explaining the ordinance.

Violators of the ordinance are subject to citations.

Turner noted the law doesn't require you to have something immediately available to put out the fire if a problem develops, but the department recommends a garden hose, fire extinguisher or some other means of controlling a fire quickly.

And the ordinance “requires the fire to be attended at all times,” Turner said, so an adult can respond if there is an emergency.

“Burning in a barrel is highly recommended,” the city said in its news release reminding residents of the open burning period. “Do not burn in the street or curb lines of the street.”

Officials recommend that all fires be in small piles to prevent large amounts of smoke, and that the piles be 10-15 feet from property lines, structures and power lines.

And the ordinance doesn't prohibit neighbors' complaints so, the news release reminded, “A complaint on open burning fire can lead to the extinguishment of the fire by the fire department.”

The ordinance also doesn't mean residents can burn each day during the next four months.

“We can restrict burning, according to the ordinance, in the event of (such things as) dry conditions, weather conditions and high winds,” Turner explained.

Fire officials urge citizens to utilize the compost facilities at 2606 W. Edgewood Drive.

Waste that will be accepted there includes:

- Limbs 8 inches in diameter, or less, and in lengths no longer than 4 feet.

- Grass clippings.

- Leaves.

- Wood chips.

- Flocked Christmas trees.


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Thanks.

boscoe wrote on Nov 25, 2009 8:48 AM:

" You gotta do something to deal with the insanity around here. Some days it isn't even worth trying to chew through the restraints!

Oh, and thanks to my nextdoor neighbor who likes to burn a small pile of wet moldy leaves every evening. The smoke always blows in my direction. He can't just do one big burn on the weekend and git-r-done. He has to do a slow smoldering burn every night.

Some towns have citizens blow leaves to the curb and they do a city-wide vacuum pickup. Of course we cannot get this kind of service here in good 'ol JC. "

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misshoneybee wrote on Nov 23, 2009 3:53 PM:

" Boscoe wanting to fire up REEFERS?! Say it ain't so!

I am SHOCKED! "

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Rockyv wrote on Nov 17, 2009 11:58 AM:

" Whaddaya know Rickster and Boscoe making dope references. It all makes sense now! "

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TheRickster wrote on Nov 17, 2009 8:07 AM:

" Make a compost pile if you have a place. It helps all the way around. Boscoe, call me and share. You must not be all bad!! "

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boscoe wrote on Nov 16, 2009 9:56 PM:

" At least we can still fire up our smokers for that yummy pulle pork!

Some days, firing up a big fat hooter sounds like a good idea too... "

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jack deeken wrote on Nov 16, 2009 8:13 PM:

" Why are we allowed to burn leaves and green wood that both create a lot of smoke,but can't burn dry lumber which is almost smoke free?Also ,why are we allowed to burn wood in a stove all year round,but have limits to when we can burn the same wood outside?A classic example of a small group of people making laws without thinking it through.Jack Deeken "

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