City of Quincy ILLINOIS

Where can I get information on burning regulations and burn permits?

Open burning, includes leaf burning, is illegal in the City of Quincy. The only exceptions are small recreational fires and the burning of any landscape waste for which the Quincy Fire Department has issued a burn permit. Violations of the City’s burning ordinances are punishable by law.

Recreational Fires – Small recreational fires are legal if they meet the following requirements:

1. Where the fire is used for cooking or warmth at a recreational gathering.

2. Only firewood and logs may be used as fuel; no refuse or construction materials are allowed.

3. The fire shall be attended at all times.

4. The fire shall be placed so that it does not endanger other property or become a nuisance to neighbors.

5. Fire extinguishing equipment must be readily available. Complaints by other residents will result in extinguishment.

Burn Permits - Burn Permits are issued to residents who wish to burn landscape waste that was grown on that property. (Note: burning of leaves is prohibited.) For a burn permit to be issued the following steps must be taken:

1. An application must be submitted to the Quincy Fire Department at least seven days prior to the intended burn date.

2. The burn site will be inspected for the following:
   
   a) Fuel will be landscape waste only (no refuse, leaves or construction debris).
   b) There must be an acceptable means of extinguishment close by.
   c) The burn pile must not be any more than six feet in height nor more than twenty-four feet in diameter.
   d) The burn pile must be placed at least 50 feet from structures or other property.

For further information or to obtain a permit, contact the Quincy Fire Department during office hours.