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Indianola council backs drafting recreational-burning ordinance; sets safety limits and fines
Summary
City staff were directed to return with an amended burn ordinance that would permit small recreational fires under specific distances and fuel restrictions, require permits for larger bonfires, and impose fines for illegal burning.
The Indianola City Council on April 21 directed city staff to prepare amendments to the local fire code to allow defined recreational burning and to clarify enforcement of illegal burning.
Fire Marshal Miller and Captain Eller told the council they reviewed municipal examples and the International Fire Code (2018) while drafting proposed changes to Chapter 16307 (the city's illegal-burn provisions as cited in staff materials). Staff said many communities that allow regulated recreational fires report fewer false fire responses because residents have a permitted alternative to burning brush informally.
Under the parameters discussed, small recreational fires would be tightly limited: fire pits and devices would have maximum dimensions (staff cited a limit of roughly 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high for small rings), fixed minimum clearances (staff cited 25 feet from structures and property lines for certain fire rings), and attendance and extinguishing equipment requirements (a water source, a shovel/sand or extinguisher on hand). Solo stoves and manufactured fire pits would be allowed if they meet the spacing rules; charcoal grills and similar devices remain subject to existing restrictions in multiunit settings.
Bonfires would remain subject to a permit process: staff said permitted bonfires would require an on-site inspection and payment of an inspection fee to confirm compliance with the code; the fire department would inspect and clear each permitted event. The draft would also tighten enforcement for prohibited fuels: staff said prohibited items would include leaves, wet or green wood, painted or treated wood and other materials that produce excessive smoke.
Councilmembers asked about enforcement and penalties. Staff said an initial citation for illegal burning would be $250, rising to $500 for repeat violations; citations would be processed by police department follow-up and potentially brought to court if unpaid. Staff also proposed a public-education campaign tied to the code update and to use the city's open house events to demonstrate safe burning practices.
Council consensus favored directing staff to prepare ordinance amendments and a plain-language guidance page for the city website. Staff requested direction to bring the code changes back for first reading at the May 19 meeting so the council could consider the formal amendments and, if the council asks, waive second/third readings.
Ending: Staff will draft specific ordinance language, a public-facing guidance page, and fee schedule; they will bring a formal first reading to the council on or after May 19 per the council's direction.
