RULES FOR OUTDOOR BURNING

Outdoor Burning Is Allowed Only Under The Following Circumstances:

1. Burning must be outside corporate limits and burning must be done downwind or at least 300 feet from any structure containing sensitive receptors located on adjacent properties unless prior written approval is obtained from the adjacent occupant with possessory control.

2. Burning shall not begin when the wind speed is greater then 15 mph.

3. The initiation of burning shall commence no earlier than one half hour after sunrise. Burning shall be completed on the same day not later than one hour before sunset. In cases where residual fires and/or smoldering objects continue to emit smoke after this time, such areas shall be extinguished if smoke from these areas has the potential to create a nuisance or traffic hazard condition. In no case shall the extent of the burn area be allowed to burn after this time.

4. All outdoor burning shall be supervised at all times and under controlled conditions. Citizens responsible for controlled burns shall have the means to control/extinguish the burn.

5. Burning shall not be conducted during periods of actual predicted persistent low-level atmospheric temperature inversions.

6. For campfires and other recreational and ceremonial purposes, the non-commercial preparation of food and for supplying warmth in cold weather. For recreational and ceremonial BONFIRES a permit must be obtained from the Fire Marshal's Office.

7. To destroy diseased animals when necessary to prevent the spread of disease.

8. Outdoor burning of trees, brush, and other plant growth for right-of-way maintenance, land clearing operations, and maintenance along water canals when no practical alternative to burning exists and when the materials are generated only from that property. Structures containing sensitive receptors must not be negatively affected by the burn. Such burning shall be subject to the above conditions.

9. Violations of this Order shall be punishable as a Class C misdemeanor with a minimum fine of $25.00 and not more than a $500.00 fine..

Definitions:

Extinguished
The absence of any visible flames, glowing coals, or smoke.

Campfire
A fire no larger than 5 ft. in diameter and 5 ft. in height: For recreation purposes.

Bonfire
Any fire larger than a campfire that is used as a ceremonial or recreational purpose.

Prohibited Burn Items:

* treated construction waste * household garbage * tires * rubber/plastic products * heavy oils * materials producing excessive amounts of smoke * fiberglass products * oil based materials * any burning during countywide burn bans *

The authority to conduct outdoor burning under the above circumstances does not exempt or excuse any person from any consequence, damages, or injuries resulting from the burning and does not excuse anyone from complying with all ordinances of other governmental agencies.

The above rules shall be enforced by the Hays County Fire Marshal's Office

Your Cooperation Is Appreciated In This Matter

Prior to any outdoor burning, you MUST notify the Hays County Sheriff's Department at (512) 393-7896.

  COPYRIGHT © 2005 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED  NORTH HAYS COUNTY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT