Residential Burn Permit

Rules and Regulations for Residential Burn Piles:

• Burning shall not be started prior to 0700 hours.
• Burning after dark is prohibited.
• Permits are not transferable.
• Applicants must call prior to ignition.
• Permits shall be revoked if provisions are not met.
• The burning of toxic materials, noxious matter, roofing materials, treated lumber, petroleum based products, etc. or any other materials considered hazardous shall not be allowed under any circumstances.
• Burns shall not be conducted under any type of overhead service.
• Burn piles shall be limited to a manageable size (8 feet by 8 feet maximum height of 5 feet)
• Only one pile may be burned at a time.
• Means to control and or extinguish the fire shall be maintained on site at all times.
• Provisions shall be made to prevent fire spread.
• Fire must be a minimum of 50 feet from any public roadway.
• The fire must be attended at all times by a competent person until the fire is extinguished (put out, quenched, or smothered).
• Fire in approved containers shall be a minimum of 25 feet from any structure.
• The permit shall become void and all burning shall cease when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous.
• In the event of damage to property of others the permit holder accepts full responsibility and liability for all charges resulting from the burn. (Smoke, fire ash, or particulate matter)
• Bonfires and similar activities should be strictly monitored and considered only on a case by case basis.
• Before burn permits are issued all residents should be informed of the city’s rubbish pick-up and disposal policy.
• The final determination on burning is at the sole discretion of the Opelika Fire Department as long as they are compliant with ADEM and the Alabama Fire Marshal's office guidelines.