Burn Permits

Summary of Burning Regulations as per Kansas Code:

Kansas open burning regulations make provision for burning operations that are deemed to be necessary and in the public interest. In order to prevent or reduce the number of occasions that fire apparatus and personnel are dispatched for false or good intent calls, the Liberal Fire Department issues burn permits in compliance with State of Kansas code. These burn permits allow for communication with citizens conducting authorized burning operations. They also serve to track and notify fire department personnel, emergency dispatchers and law enforcement agencies of current authorized burning operations. Failure to comply with the burning regulations is a violation of state code and can result in a complaint being filed in municipal court and a fine being assessed.

The Liberal Fire Department issues burn permits within the city limits under the following conditions:

1. Individuals must call the fire department at (620) 626-0128 for permission to burn and provide the following information:

A. Name.

B. Address of the controlled burn.

C. Callback phone number.

D. Accurate information as to what will be burned.

2. Materials to be burned must be organic in nature such as grass, leaves, tree limbs, tumbleweeds or small amounts of wood. Substances that generate dark and toxic smoke such as tires, asphalt shingles, plastics and insulated wiring shall not be burned.

3. Burning shall not be permitted during periods when surface wind speed is below 5 mph (5.76 knots) or above 15 mph (17.27 knots).

4. The person conducting the burn shall insure that the fire is supervised until it is completely extinguished.

5. The person conducting the burn shall insure the presence of a method of extinguishment such as a connected garden hose or similar item.

6. All materials to be burned must be moved away from and isolated from other combustible materials. (Ex. Removing tumbleweeds from a fence line.)

7. Burning shall not be permitted during nighttime hours, which for the purpose of this regulation is defined as the period from two (2) hours before sunset until one (1) hour after sunrise. A person shall not add material to a fire after two (2) hours before sunset.

8. Burning shall not be permitted during inclement or foggy conditions or on very cloudy days, which for the purpose of this regulation is defined as a period with more that 70% cloud cover with a ceiling of less than 2000 feet.

9. The burning must not create smoke which causes a public nuisance or affect traffic on roadways.

10. Any property damaged as a result of the controlled burn operation is the responsibility of the person requesting the burn permit.

11. If controlled burning begins to get out of control or conditions change unexpectedly call 911 immediately.