(Spirit Lake)– The smell of burning leaves will be noticeably absent this fall in Spirit Lake.
The city council Tuesday adopted an ordinance that severely restricts burning. Certain types of fires will still be allowed by permit only. They include ceremonial fires, prescribed landscape fires, commercially-manufactured incinerators permitted by the state and other burning activities deemed necessary and appropriate and authorized by the city council.
Recreational fires, such as those for cooking and heating, are still allowed. Disaster rubbish can be burned only when an officially declared emergency exists. Training fires are still allowed.
The vote to adopt the ordinance wasn’t unanimous. Councilman Duane Yager voted against it, saying the ordinance is too strict. He says residents in his part of the city have a lot of trees that produce a tremendous amount of leaves and sticks. Yager says he’s heard from several of those residents who feel they should still be able to burn those items.
The council took up the burning ban after a public hearing earlier this summer drew considerable support for the ban. Many residents expressed concern over health issues.
The ordinance becomes effective upon publication, which is expected to happen in the next couple of weeks.
It will be enforced by the Fire Chief and the Police Department.
