Safety is top issue when burning yard waste

The colors are gone, and the trees are bare. Now it's time to deal with all those leaves.

People who don't want to wait until the city picks up the leaves or who live in an area where there is no leaf service often get rid of leaves by burning them.

Most cities have certain hours in which leaf burning is allowed. Leaves are not allowed to be burned in the street because it would pose hazards to vehicles and pedestrians. Only yard waste is allowed to be burned; no burning of building materials or hazardous materials is allowed.

It is recommended that residents burning leaves have a water hose and rake nearby in case the fire gets too big and hot. Fires should never be left unattended, even for just a few minutes. This could result in a fire that takes off with the wind, or blowing embers that could set buildings on fire.

Both the Cape Girardeau and Jackson fire departments have resources on their websites for concerns about ordinances and rules on burning.

Cape Girardeau allows leaf burning only from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jackson allows leaves to be burned between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Cape Girardeau County has no ordinance about burning leaves, but residents must call the sheriff's office if they are going to have a big fire. Use common sense when burning in the county: Don't place a burn pile near a road or structure, and delay burning if dry or high wind conditions exist.

Scott City permits leaves to be burned during daylight hours only. The fire must be extinguished by 5 p.m.

Scott County has no ordinance about leaf burning times. Residents are urged to use common sense about the time and conditions.

Safety tips for burning

Safety tips for burning

No burning on excessively windy or dry days.

Do not burn under power, telephone or TV cable lines

No fires within 50 feet of any structure.

Burn only vegetative waste, small tree limbs, leaves and garden waste.

Fire must be attended at all times until extinguished.

Fire must have a rake and water hose close to the fire.

Fire must be completely extinguished no later than 5 p.m.

Don't burn if atmospheric conditions prevent smoke from rising freely.

No burning if sustained winds are greater than 15 mph.

Do not burn if frequent wind gusts are greater than 25 mph.