FUMES PROMPT JACKSON TO BEEF UP BURN RESTRICTIONS

JACKSON -- Updated restrictions on open burning within the city limits of Jackson are aimed at maintaining air quality for residents' safety, Fire Chief Brad Golden says.

Amendments to the City of Jackson fire code approved Monday by the Jackson Board of Aldermen restrict what can be burned and the size of burns. The amendments allow the burning of tree trimmings and other organic refuse while limiting the burning of items that cause noxious fumes.

"People are not going to be able to burn garbage, tires, plastics, shingles, any of that sort of stuff," Golden said..

Contractors still can burn sawed lumber.

Golden said the amendments were made in response to complaints the Jackson Fire Department has been receiving about noxious burns. "Up to this point we weren't getting a lot of complaints but we've been getting more and more," Golden said.

"Lots of people are moving in here. The more people you have the more complaints," the chief said.

He said the state regulations of the Department of Natural Resources and the BOCA National Fire Prevention Code that were in place "weren't being enforced as much as they should be."

Residents can burn refuse in their yards but not on the street. In addition, a burn of 500 square feet or larger must receive written approval from the fire department.

The department will send an officer to look at the proposed burn, and a permit can be issued on the spot.

The permit is good only for the day of the burn. "Atmospheric conditions can change form day to day," Golden said.

The person who receives the permit must attend the fire continually and must have a method of extinguishing it on hand.

Burn times allowed are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.