(A) When all alternative utilization methods for brush has been deemed not practicable, open burning will be permitted. This decision shall be made by the DLA, the Department, or the DNR.
(B) Open burn permits may be issued only for the following purposes:
(1) Fire or health hazard. Elimination of fire or health hazard that cannot be abated by other practical means. The Commissioner may allow burning of prohibited materials when the commissioner of health or the local board of health has made a determination that the burning is necessary to abate a public health nuisance.
(2) Maintenance or construction. Ground thawing for utility repair and construction.
(3) Disposal.
(a) Disposal of vegetative matter for managing forest, prairie or wildlife habitat, and in the development and maintenance of land and rights-of-way where chipping, composting, landspreading or other alternative methods are not practical.
(b) Disposal of diseased trees, diseased or infected nursery stock, and diseased bee hives, all generated on site.
(c) Disposal of unpainted, untreated, non-glued lumber and wood shakes where recycling, reuse, removal or other alternative disposal methods are not practical, and provided that the material was not generated by demolition of a commercial or institutional structure. A farm building is not a commercial structure.
(d) Disposal of wet hay windrowed in a field or pasture.
(e) Disposal of bailing twine and paper feed sacks without plastic liners.
(4) Fire department training.
(a) Permits for structures can only be issued by the DNR.
(b) The property owner or project contractor shall obtain a demolition permit from the local unit of government.
(c) All required paperwork provided by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency shall be completed.
(d) Fire departments shall ensure that the property owner properly dispose of all debris following permitted burns. Receipts, showing proper disposal, shall be retained by the fire department for the period of three years upon removal of the debris.
(Ord. 5B, passed 6-26-01; Am. Ord. 73-2012, passed 3-20-12)