City of Springfield, Illinois

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Burn Regulations


   Regulations

Burn regulations within the Springfield Fire Department response area are not uniform. Information provided is for several local jurisdictions. Please use this as a reference. All information was updated and reviewed by Fire Safety September of 2014.

    Burn Regulations PDF

Springfield

Burning of yard waste, garbage, construction materials, etc. is prohibited. To meet local ordinance (chapter 94) and city code (International Fire Code 2006 adopted), several conditions apply for open burning (i.e. recreational fires).

Fire pits are considered recreational fires. They should be 25 feet from a structure or combustible materials. For portable outdoor fireplaces, the distance is 15 feet. (Commercial properties only/single family and duplex are exempt for distances)

Both types of open burning (for All properties) must meet the several conditions that follow:

  • Must use only dry wood or charcoal fuel
  • Must be kept to a manageable size (3 foot diameter or less/2 foot height or less)
  • Must have extinguishing capability readily available (garden hose/fire extinguisher)
  • Must be constantly attended until completely extinguished
  • Must be kept between the hours of 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.
  • Burning is not allowed during high winds (in excess of 20 mph)
  • Burning is not allowed during times of high fire
  • There is no imminent health hazard to persons in the area

Jerome

In February of 2008, the village of Jerome banned all burning of yard waste. Fire pits are permitted but the person has to have a permit issued by Jerome. Contact person is village trustee Mike Whitling at 217.502.4361.

LeLand Grove

No burning of yard waste is allowed. All residents must call for permission for small fires. Contact person is City Administrator Richard Stone at 217.698.1300.

Grandview

Landscape waste burning is allowed Wednesday through Saturday each week from 9:00 a.m. to sunset, but not allowed when winds exceed 15 mph. At least one person age 16 or older must be watching the fire, and a garden hose or water supply should be nearby. Contact Grandview police at 217.622.4626.

Southern View

Leaf burning is allowed during daylight hours on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and the first and third Saturday, except on holidays. The burning must be supervised. Smoldering is prohibited. The only burning of material is landscape waste only such as grass, shrubbery, leaves, and trees limbs only. Burning in containers such as burn barrels is prohibited. Regardless of any statement to the contrary, burning of landscape waste is prohibited on the following holidays of each year: New Year’s Day, July 4, Veterans Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Contact person is Village Clerk Judy Gordon at 217.529.3352.

Sangamon County

The open burning of agricultural, domicile and landscape waste in Sangamon County only when:

  • On the site waste is generated
  • In areas other than restricted.
  • When atmospheric conditions will readily dissipate contaminants and if such burning does not create a visibility hazard on roadways, railroad tracks or airfields.
  • With agricultural waste, the burning shall be 1,000 feet from residential or other populated areas.
  • When winds are not in excess of 20 miles per hour or there is no other danger involved.
  • Between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. unless done so on a specified EPA permit that shall be on sire during the burn.
  • There is no imminent health hazard to persons in the area.

Definitions

Agricultural Waste:

Any refuse except garbage and dead animals generated on a farm or ranch by crop and livestock production practices including such items as bags, cartons, dry bedding, structural materials and crop residues, but excluding landscape waste.

Domicile Waste:

Any refuse generated on single-family domiciliary property as a result of domiciliary activities. The term excludes landscape waste, garbage and trade waste.

Garbage:

Refuse resulting from the handling, processing, preparation, cooking and consumption of food or food products. This waste will generally be biodegradable.

Landscape Waste:

Any vegetable or plant refuses, except garbage and agricultural waste. The term includes trees, tree trimmings, branches, stumps, and brush, weeds, leaves, grass, shrubbery, and yard trimmings.

Trade Waste:

Any refuse resulting from prosecuting of any trade, business industry, commercial venture, utility or service activity, and any government or institutional activity, whether or not for profit. The term includes landscape waste, but excludes agricultural waste.