As leaves begin to fall and pile up in yards, it’s important for all Jasper County residents to know city and/or county and state burn regulations.
The City of Newton revised its burn policy in 2012. For homes on properties that are less than one acre, the city prohibits the burning of leaves or brush piles, landscape waste (including garden waste), garbage, tires or rubber products, paint or used oil, plastic and any household material that can be recycled.
For homes on one acre or more, landscape waste generated on site can be burned with a free permit from the Newton Fire Department, as long as the fire is at least 200 feet from any inhabitable structure. There is no fee for the permit.
There are also permits required for flare stacks, landscape waste from clearing, grubbing or construction operations and diseased trees.
If the wind speed exceeds 15 mph, no burning is permitted in the City of Newton — even with a permit.
Recreational fires are permitted as long as those are a minimum 25 feet away from a structure or combustible material. Fires can be no larger than four feet in diameter and flames shall be no larger than two feet high and be contained in a non-combustible ring.
A portable fire extinguisher or other equipment, such as a garden hose must be readily available. Fires must be continuously attended until completely extinguished.
No processed wood, such as 2x4s, pallets or building materials may be burned. If any neighbor experiences breathing or physical discomfort due to smoke generated, the fire must be extinguished.
The Newton Fire Chief or fire marshal can issue warnings for violations, or citations that include fines. A first-offense fine can range from $10 to $150.
Jasper County Auditor Dennis Parrott said the county does not have specific burn ordinances. However, some important state regulations should be kept in mind.
State law indicates a local or state fire marshal can issue a temporary burn bans for a county or select counties at any time. There were no burn bans for any central Iowa counties Wednesday on the state's listing, shown here:
bit.ly/1QZvqit.
State law also indicates open burning of landscape waste — excluding leaves — can be done in a period of community disaster.
Restrictions and burn dates vary in other Jasper County municipalities.
Prairie City and Monroe do not allow burning of any kind, anywhere within the city limits, without a permit. Colfax allows the burning of yard waste on site from Oct. 15 to Dec. 15 and from March 15 to May 15 during daylight hours.
Contact city administration offices for exact policies.
Contact Jason W. Brooks at 641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or jbrooks@newtondailynews.com