(A) Application. Application for open burning permits may be made in cases where fires are proposed to be set for the following purposes:
(1) Bona fide instruction and training of fire fighting personnel and for the testing of fire extinguishing equipment;
(2) Elimination of fire of health hazards which cannot be abated by any other practicable means;
(3) Activities in accordance with accepted forest or game management;
(4) Ground thawing for utility repair and construction; and/or
(5) The required maintenance and management of designated prairie grass areas.
(B) Restrictions. A burning permit shall be issued on a prescribed form to the applicant if the burning is for one of the purposes set forth in division (A) above and the applicant agrees that all burning shall be conducted under the following circumstances.
(1) The prevailing wind at the time of the burning shall be away for nearby residences.
(2) The burning shall be conducted as far away as practical from any highway or public road and controlled so that a traffic hazard is not created.
(3) The burning may not be conducted during the duration of an air pollution alert, warning, or emergency.
(4) The recipient of the permit or his or her authorized representative shall be present for the duration of any fire authorized by the permit.
(5) Prior notice shall be given to the local Department of Natural Resources Forest Officer, local Fire Marshal, or local Fire Chief of the time and location of any fire authorized by the permit.
(6) Open burning for ground thawing shall be conducted in accordance with the following additional restrictions.
(a) Fuels and starting materials shall be of a kind which do not generate appreciable smoke.
(b) Propane gas thawing torches or other devices causing minimal pollution shall be used when practicable.
(7) Open burning of materials permitted in division (A)(5) above shall be conducted in accordance with the following additional restrictions.
(a) The location of the burning shall not be within 600 feet of an occupied residence other than those located on the property on which the burning is conducted. The distance can be reduced when the burn is performed by or with the assistance of the Fire Department.
(b) Oils, rubber, and other similar smoke producing materials shall not be burned or used as starting materials.
(c) The burning shall not be conducted within one mile of any airport or landing strip unless approved by the Fire Chief.
(8) The following persons are authorized to accept application and issue open burning permits:
(a) Zoning Administrator;
(b) Building Official; and
(c) Fire Chief.
(Prior Code, § 5-4-3) (Ord. 373, passed 4-22-2002)