News release from the Allen County Public Information Office:
With Autumn Coming, Residents Urged to Follow Laws on Open Burning
(September 12, 2014) — Fall is the season when people want to get rid of their leaves, woody yard waste and other items, and the Allen County farming and rural tradition of open burning picks up.
But the Safety and Environmental Management Department wants to make sure those residents in unincorporated areas of the county know and follow the procedures for burning yard trimmings, leaves and brush.
Under the County’s open-burning rules, burn piles must be at least 20 feet away from structures, roads or power lines. Burning is only permitted between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. and must be done during safe weather conditions. Wind speeds should be less than 20 miles per hour and burning cannot take place during a pollution alert day. Only clean wood or untreated wood products, brush and leaves that originated from the property may be burned. The material must be burned in a noncombustible, ventilated container.
Water sources and a shovel should be kept on hand to control a burn if winds unexpectedly fan it into possible trouble. Local or state authorities can demand that any burning be stopped if the fire is determined to be a nuisance, pollution problem or threat to property or public health.
Questions about open-burning regulations in unincorporated portions of Allen County can be directed to the Safety and Environmental Management Department at 449-7265. If residents living in incorporated areas of Allen County have any doubts about whether they are allowed to burn or not, and in what locations, they are encouraged to call their municipality.
For those interested in disposing of their leaves in an environmentally-friendly manner, you can check out the Allen County Solid Waste Management District website (www.acwastewatcher.org) to get tips on how to compost your leaves.
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