Commercial Burn Permit

(THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO RESIDENTIAL BURNING PERMITS)  

Procedure and Conditions for Obtaining a Commercial Burn Permit

A permit to burn is required under the current International Fire Code (IFC) with local amendments and City of Lawrence Ordinance 8055.

The conditions as described below must be met prior to a permit being issued by Lawrence- Douglas County Fire Medical Department.

A permit to burn will be issued under the following conditions:

  • The burn is to dispose of clean, dry wood that was generated on the burn site;
  • A site map of the burn location is provided that shows the site in relation to public roadways and occupied buildings within 1500’;
  • Verification that written notice has been provided to occupants that work or reside within 1500’ of the burn;
  • Use of an EPA licensed and approved incinerator/air curtain destructor (Air Curtain Destructor (ACD) Guidelines) is required.
  • A pre-burn, site inspection has been completed by the City’s Fire Marshal;
  • Adequate water and personnel are on site at all time during the burning operation to extinguish the fire;
  • The Kansas Rangeland Fire Index as determined by the National Weather Service is not “Very High” or greater the day(s) of burning (http://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?site=GLD&product=RFD&issuedby=TOP);
  • The wind speed is 12 m.p.h. or less;
  • Burning will be limited to one-half hour after sunrise to one-half hour before sunset. All burning material must be extinguished prior to leaving the site.
  • Flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, etc. can be extremely dangerous and should never be used to ignite a burn pile.

Procedure and Conditions for Obtaining a Commercial Burn Permit(PDF, 88KB) - Printable PDF

To apply:

To apply for a Commercial Burn permit, please contact the Prevention Division; (785) 830-7000 or

Division Chief Chris King Office: (785) 830-7003 E-mail:cking@lawrenceks.gov

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