With continued dry and windy weather, the City of Ottumwa is reminding residents to follow local ordinances regarding yard waste and recreational fires. Recent conditions have increased fire risk, and the Ottumwa Fire Department has responded to several incidents involving illegal burning and fires spreading to nearby properties.
Open burning of yard waste is permitted only on Wednesdays and Saturdays during April and November and is limited to leaves and small twigs as defined by ordinance. Fires must be on private property. Burning in streets, alleys, or other public areas is prohibited. Garbage and other non-approved materials may not be burned. If the Fire Department receives a complaint of smoke deemed offensive or hazardous, the fire must be extinguished.
Recreational fires must be contained in approved fire pits or manufactured pit appliances and must meet size and location requirements. Only clean, dry wood or approved logs may be burned, and fires must occur between 11:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
Residents are urged to use caution and consider weather conditions before lighting any fire. Fires should never be left unattended. Illegal burning may result in citations and cost recovery billing if fire units are dispatched. For additional information, contact the Ottumwa Fire Department at (641) 683-0666.
