Open Burn season begins Tuesday

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A biannual event starting this week offers city residents a chance to get rid of yard waste from winter storms.

Every year, the city allows open burning of yard waste in the months of April and November. Burning is allowed only between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

All fires must be contained in an upright container of no more than 55 gallons and be kept at least 15 feet from any structure. Only one burn container is allowed at each residence.

Burning is strictly limited to yard waste (leaves, weeds, logs, brush). Residents may choose to burn yard waste this spring since April's Clean Sweep event, which allows people to take such items to the city dump for free during a designated week, has been canceled.

The city is making an effort to reduce waste brought into the landfill until a new dumping cell is constructed.

Their is some concern among safety officials that burning might increase due to excess waste collected without the Clean Sweep event.

"I have no doubt that there will be extra burning," St. Joseph battalion chief Paris Jenkins said. "I would hope that they're not burning their garbage in the yard or anything. That's not allowed. But guidelines are guidelines, so hopefully that will take care of everything and keep them and their neighbors safe. But I have no doubt that it will increase."

For anyone with concerns regarding unsafe burning, the city recommends using the non-emergency line at (816) 271-4777.