| Grinnell Fire Department |
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| Notice of Grinnell Burning Ordinance |
| Improved Air Quality Results from Open Burning Ban Due to an ordinance recently adopted by the city of Grinnell that prohibits outdoor burning with only limited exceptions, residents will realize improved air quality. In addition to improved air quality, this will eventually reduce the number calls to the fire department for nuisance smoke from outdoor fires and calls for service to extinguish uncontrolled fires. There are a small number of variances from the burning ban. Some of these variances include prescribed burns for bona fide prairie maintenance, open fires for cooking, and recreation fires. The burning of landscape waste shall not be considered a recreation fire at any time. Those with existing prairie plantings or those planning to plant a prairie mix are encouraged to register that planting with the Grinnell Building and Planning Department. It is important to know that recreation and open cooking fires must be 15 feet from any structure if in an appropriate container and 25 feet from any combustible material if the fire is three feet or less in diameter and two feet or less in height. For larger fires than detailed above, the fire must be 50’ from any structure. All fires shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization. The Fire Department may also extinguish or order to be extinguished any fire deemed objectionable or hazardous. A variance from the Fire Chief is required for all outdoor burning with the exception of recreation and cooking fires. If you have any questions concerning this ordinance or if you wish to report a possible violation, please contact the Grinnell Fire Department at 236-2688. |