Regulations for burning are established to prevent fire damage resulting from open burning activates that get out of control, prevent the discharge of pollutants into the atmosphere, and protect others from hazardous smoke conditions.

The Fire Department must be notified prior to any burning. Please call 417-237-7100.

• Open burning of yard waste is allowed provided it originates and is burned on the same premises and unless a permit by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources is issued which supersedes these regulations.

• Yard waste must consist of tree limbs, leaves, brush, or untreated and unpainted wood wastes

• Open burning is permitted between the hours of 7 am to 10 pm.

• The Fire Department MUST be notified prior to any open burning

• Fires in approved containers may be no less than 15 feet from any structure

• Fires not in containers must be no less than 25 feet from any structure

• Fires must be no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high

• Fires larger than the designated size must be no less than 50 feet from any structure and require approval from the Carthage Fire Department

• Fires must be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished

• A fire extinguisher with minimum 4-A rating, charged water hose, or other approved extinguishing equipment must be available for immediate utilization

• Fires may not be burned on any improved street, sidewalk, or alley

• Fires may not cause a hazardous condition of any kind

• Fire may not be burned during the time that a burn ban is issued

• Fire Department personnel have the authority to order the extinguishment of any fire not within regulations.