News Release
For Immediate Release
On August 10, 2020, the City of Marshalltown experienced a high wind derecho, which resulted in significant tree damage throughout the City. On August 12, 2020, a burn ban was placed into effect on advice from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. At that time, residents of the City were without electricity and their residences were opened up to allow for cooling. Additionally the condition of the wood, if burned, would have caused significant smoke issues. In consultation with the DNR on August 26th, it was determined that a controlled, graduated start to open burning would be appropriate provided no burn bans were issued by the State Fire Marshal.
There is, however, significant concern surrounding open burning and the dry weather conditions that exist in our City. As of today’s date, there are no open burning restrictions for Marshall County issued by the State Fire Marshal. Therefore, a graduated early burning schedule has been developed to assist residents in disposal of tree debris. However, should a burn ban be issued by the State Fire Marshal, open burning would cease immediately.
The City of Marshalltown has been divided into four (4) sections so that smoke does not fill the entire community. The Sections are:
Section 1: South of E. Olive Street & East of Center Street.
Section 2: South of W. Olive Street & West of Center Street.
Section 3: North of W. Olive Street & West of Center Street.
Section 4: North of E. Olive Street & East of Center Street.
Burning of tree debris for the Section will be as follows:
Section 1 from September 7th to September 12th.
Section 2 from September 14th to September 19th.
Section 3 from September 21st to September 26th.
Section 4 from September 28th to October 1st, when the fall open burning period begins.
Rules for open burning are the same and include:
Burning hours are from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm. Burning must be completed or extinguished by 7:00 pm.
Tree and leave debris only, no garbage.
The fire must be attended at all times by a competent person with a means to extinguish the fire.
Burning shall not be located within 50 feet of any structure if on the ground and 15 feet if placed in a container with a cover to control flying embers.
Burning is prohibited on streets and in alleys.
Burning on the property of another is prohibited unless permission is granted by the property owner.
Burning is prohibited when wind speeds are 15 mph or greater.
Additionally, the burning of tree limbs in excess of 3 inches is prohibited. Please take into consideration your neighbors and alert them of your intent to burn tree debris. The Fire Department cannot stress enough the importance of following the rules and making sure all burning is supervised at all times. With the dry conditions, a fire can spread quickly.
We appreciate your attention and cooperation.