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Residents raise health concerns over large burn pile; mayor urges ordinance clarification
Summary
A granted burn permit for a pile larger than DNR guidelines prompted residents to raise COPD and property-damage concerns; Mayor Ingalls recommended clarifying the city’s ordinance to state explicit permit requirements.
A burn permit granted to Dale Brannan for a pile at 327 5th Street East drew multiple public-safety concerns at the June 8 Mantorville City Council meeting. Resident Jody Vanderostyne expressed worry about COPD and asthma impacts from the burn. Wade Luggar asked whether the pile could be burned elsewhere.
Dale Brannan said the fire department planned to be on site as a training exercise and asserted the DNR currently does not have jurisdiction to grant permits within the city. Mayor Jeff Ingalls cited the city ordinance and said it "says a permit must first be issued from the DNR and that DNR guidelines are currently for a 20ft x 20ft pile and Brannan’s exceeds this," and recommended changing the ordinance to be explicit about what the city requires. Assistant Fire Chief Duke Harbaugh and Ryan Jech described how permit decisions vary and that they monitor wind and burn warnings.
Council did not record a formal motion to rescind the permit at the meeting; the minutes show discussion and a mayoral direction to clarify ordinance language for future clarity.
