WHAT ARE THE RULES FOR OUTDOOR FIRES?

The City of Monmouth has adopted the International Fire Code. A permit shall be obtained from the fire code official in accordance with Section 105.6 of the IFC prior to kindling a fire for recognized silvicultural or range or wildlife management practices, prevention or control of disease or pests, or a bonfire. Application for such approval shall only be presented by and permits issued to the owner of the land upon which the fire is to be kindled.

Bonfire. A bonfire is generally larger than a recreational fire and is intended for ceremonial purposes (homecoming, religious, etc.). Bonfires can be conducted with a burn permit and prior approval from the fire department.

Open burning (no permit required). The burning of materials wherein products of combustion are emitted directly into the ambient air without passing through a stack or chimney from an enclosed chamber. Open burning does not include road flares, smudgepots and similar devices associated with safety or occupational uses typically considered open flames, recreational fires or use of portable outdoor fireplaces. For the purpose of this definition, a chamber shall be regarded as enclosed when, during the time combustion occurs, only apertures, duets, stacks, flues or chimneys necessary to provide combustion air and permit the escape of exhaust gas are open.

Burning of landscape waste is allowed in the City of Monmouth, Monday through Saturday, from noon until 8 p.m. There is no landscape waste burning allowed on Sunday. Burning is permitted at a minimum of 25 feet from a structure. Burning is permitted at a minimum of 15 feet of a structure if the burning is done in a container. No burning is allowed on a blacktop or oiled street. Burning that creates objectionable smoke or odor emission will be extinguished.

Recreational fires (no permit required):

Portable outdoor fireplace. A portable, outdoor, solid-fuel-burning fireplace that may be constructed of steel, concrete, clay or other noncombustible material. A portable outdoor fireplace may be open in design, or may be equipped with a small hearth opening and a short chimney or chimney opening in the top.

Recreational fire. An outdoor fire burning materials other than rubbish where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, portable outdoor fireplace, barbeque grill or barbeque pit and has a total area of 3 feet (914 mm) or less in diameter and 2 feet (610mm) or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes. Recreational fires and fires contained in a portable outdoor fireplace are (commonly known as wiener roasts or campfires) can be kindled without a permit or day or time restrictions.

General rules: 

  • Open burning, bonfires, recreational fires and the use of outdoor fireplaces shall be attended at all times until the fire is extinguished.
  • A method of extinguishment must be available during the fire, including but not limited to a fire extinguisher with a 4-A rating, dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or other water device available for immediate use.
  • No burning is allowed on blacktop or oiled streets.
  • Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material. Exception: Portable outdoor fireplaces may be used within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material at one- and two-family dwellings.
  • Open burning of landscape waste is limited to leaves, grass clippings, brush, tree trimmings, or other naturally occurring combustible matter. Recreational fires and bonfires are limited to dry seasoned wood. Burning any other materials such as plastics, garbage, or liquid accelerants could result in an administrative ticket being issued.The City of Monmouth has adopted the International Fire Code (2012 Edition). A permit shall be obtained from the fire code official in accordance with Section 105.6 of the IFC prior to kindling a fire for recognized silvicultural or range or wildlife management practices, prevention or control of disease or pests, or a bonfire. Application for such approval shall only be presented by and permits issued to the owner of the land upon which the fire is to be kindled.