As the weather warms and residents begin cleaning up their yards, it is time to review the Open Burning Ordinance. In July 2019, the Marshalltown City Council adopted a new ordinance regulating open burning. The ordinance reads as follows:
Open burning of plant material grown on, or deposited on by the elements, by the owner of the premise is allowed subject to the following:
1. Open burning is allowed April 1st through June 30th and October 1st through November 30th.
2. Burning shall occur in the backyard of single-family dwellings, Monday through Sunday between the hours of 10:00 am and 7:00 pm. All burning piles must be extinguished by 7:00 pm.
3. Burning on the property of another is prohibited unless the property owner grants permission.
4. Open burning is not allowed on holidays.
5. Open burning shall not be less than 50 feet from any structure.
6. Fire in enclosed containers with a cover to control flying embers shall not be less than 15 feet from any structure.
7. A competent person with a means of fire control must constantly supervise all open burning.
8. Burning by commercial business is prohibited unless a burn permit is obtained from the Fire Department. If a permit is issued, all requirements for open burning apply.
9. No burning shall occur if the wind speeds are greater than 15 miles per hour and during extended dry weather conditions.
10. Burning of garbage and rubbish is prohibited.
The Marshalltown Fire Department thanks you for your cooperation. Should you have any questions, please contact Fire Marshal Joshua Warnell at 641.754.5751.