Navigating Lawrence Village’s Complex Firewood Burning Regulations: Your Complete Guide to Safe and Legal Outdoor Fires in 2024
Understanding local firewood ordinances and seasonal burning restrictions is crucial for residents who want to enjoy safe and legal outdoor fires. Lawrence, Kansas requires burn permits for residential burning of leaves and brush, with permits issued by electronic approval through the Fire Medical Department’s website for residents requesting to burn yard and garden waste generated on their property.
Current Burn Permit Requirements in Lawrence
Two types of permits are issued in Lawrence: those for residential burning of leaves and brush, and those for commercial burning of land clearing operations. A burn permit must be completed with conditions explained to the resident, and the issuing fire station must notify Dispatch regarding the location of the burn permit.
For residents planning recreational fires, campfires less than 3′ x 3′ x 2′ and maintained 25 feet from any structure or combustible material do not require a permit, though citizens may use the residential burn permit process for campfires to reduce confusion should a complaint arise.
Seasonal Burning Restrictions and Fire Bans
Kansas experiences significant seasonal fire restrictions that residents must understand. Burn bans are determined daily by 8AM using the Rangeland Fire Index and the Fire Weather Forecast, with specific criteria used for determining the issuance of an open burning ban.
Key factors that trigger burn bans include:
- Red Flag Warnings, local, county, or state-wide burn bans, and Rangeland Fire Index of Very High or Extreme
- Rangeland Fire Index of High with forecast sustained winds greater than 15mph, or Low to Moderate index with winds greater than 20mph
In Kansas counties under burn bans, burn permits won’t be given out and current permit holders won’t be allowed to burn during the bans, with burning trash or brush piles also prohibited as long as a ban is in effect.
What You Can and Cannot Burn
Lawrence follows strict guidelines about acceptable burning materials. All fires must consist of only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated, and unpainted wood, with no pressure-treated lumber or plywood, and no painted or stained wood. Firewood that has been heat treated or kiln dried is allowed to be burned, and using heat-treated/kiln-dried wood can prevent the spread of invasive species.
Burning trash is illegal statewide in all cases, with Part 219 Incinerators prohibiting burning trash in wood stoves, fireplaces, and outdoor wood boilers.
Understanding Douglas County Regulations
Lawrence residents must also comply with Douglas County open burning regulations. Residents must follow Kansas statutes and regulations regarding burning found under K.A.R. 28-19-645, K.A.R. 28-19-647 and K.A.R. 28-19-648. A general violation of open burning policy will result in a Class C misdemeanor or a Class A misdemeanor during a burn ban, in accordance with K.S.A 48-939.
Quality Firewood for Safe Burning
When sourcing firewood for your approved burns, choosing quality materials is essential for both safety and compliance. For residents seeking reliable firewood lawrence suppliers, it’s important to work with companies that understand local regulations and provide properly seasoned wood.
Professional firewood suppliers emphasize the importance of using properly dried wood. Seasoned wood typically requires six months of drying to eliminate moisture, while kiln-dried options provide faster preparation with consistent quality. Quality suppliers screen their wood to reduce debris and ensure clean burning, which is particularly important when operating under local fire restrictions.
Safety Measures and Best Practices
Beyond legal compliance, safety should be your top priority when burning firewood. Keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby, never leave your fire unattended, and when finished, fully extinguish it. Stirring water or dirt into the remains of the fire can help ensure complete extinguishment.
Never use fire accelerants such as kerosene, gasoline, or lighter fluid, stay out of the smoke as inhaling smoke is unhealthy for you and your pets.
Staying Informed About Current Conditions
A subscription is available for individuals who want to receive notifications when a burn ban is issued, with individuals who receive weather alerts through the NE Kansas Notification System able to add Douglas County Burn Ban Notifications to their subscriptions.
For current burn permit status, residential burn permits availability is updated based on positive projected forecasts from the National Weather Service and Rangeland Fire Danger Index.
Special Circumstances and Commercial Operations
During February 1 to April 30, permits may be obtained to burn off vegetation within water retention basins, with applications made through the Prevention Division and inspection required before approval. Open burning for land clearing operations is the only burning allowed by business or construction companies, with permits issued by the Prevention Division after certain conditions are met.
Understanding Lawrence’s firewood ordinances and seasonal fire restrictions ensures you can enjoy safe, legal outdoor fires while protecting your community and environment. Always check current conditions before burning and maintain proper safety equipment and procedures during any outdoor fire activity.