Burn Ban

Ban on Burning Yard WastePlease do not burn yard waste

The City Council approved a ban on burning yard waste within the City.  Open burning is illegal. Burning garbage, leaves and landscape waste is expressly forbidden.  To report an illegal burn within the City, contact us at 309.797.0401. The ordinance is enforced by the Moline Fire Department.

Recreational fires are allowed when the following guidelines are met, but may also be banned when deemed necessary, such as during drought conditions.

What are you allowed to burn?

Dry logs or wood only, excluding building material. Wood or logs shall not exceed twelve (12) inches in diameter. Fires shall not exceed five (5) feet in diameter and shall be no more than three (3) feet in height.

Where?

No person shall kindle or maintain any recreational fire within twenty-five (25) feet of any structure, combustibles, or adjoining property.

Exceptions:

  1. Recreational fires that are adequately and fully confined within an approved brick or metal container or below-grade fire pit and located not less than fifteen (15) feet from any structure, combustibles, or adjoining property.
  2. Portable outdoor fireplaces used at one and two family dwellings.  Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and shall comply with all other requirements for recreational fires.

When?

Recreational fires shall be allowed between the hours of 12:00 noon and 12:00 midnight. All recreational fires shall be fully and properly extinguished no later than 12:00 midnight.

Extinguishment Authority

The fire code official or his designee may order the immediate suspension of any burning which may be permitted, when due to atmospheric or other objectionable conditions, such burning contributes substantially to a hazard to the health and welfare of the public and/or to a fire hazard and suspension and extinguishment is reasonably necessary for the protection of persons or property. The fire code official or his designee is authorized to order any such fire be extinguished by the responsible party or by the fire department.

Attendance

Recreational fires and portable outdoor fireplaces shall be constantly attended by a responsible person capable of appropriately responding to an emergency and extinguishing the fire, until the fire is fully and properly extinguished.

Violations

First offense, shall be subject to a citation, which citation shall be paid at the City of Moline accounts and finance office in the amount of fifty dollars ($50.00), or if paid within seven (7) calendar days, twenty-five dollars ($25.00).

Second or subsequent offense, shall be subject to a citation, which citation shall be paid at the City of Moline accounts and finance office in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100.00), or if paid within seven (7) calendar days, fifty dollars ($50.00).

See Chapter 11 Section 307 of the Code of Ordinances for additional details.