What you need to know about burning leaves

TRI STATES — Football is in full swing, the temperatures are dropping, jack-o-lanterns are glowing and leaves are falling from the trees.

Now what do you do with all those leaves?

Can you burn them?

That really all depends on where you live.

Here are some guidelines and laws for different communities in the Tri States.

Quincy, Illinois

Open burning, includes leaf burning, is illegal in the City of Quincy. The only exception is the burning of any landscape waste for which the Quincy Fire Department has issued a burn permit. Violations of the City’s burning ordinances are punishable by law.

City of Quincy Ordinance

Hannibal, Missouri

Open burning of leaves, grass, and small amounts of yard waste is allowed between September 1st through May 31st without a permit. These materials must be burned on the property where they originated, not on public streets, sidewalks, or alleys. Burning in barrels is not allowed, however, an open wire container is allowed. The intent of that requirement is to be able to easily see the material being burned. Burn sites must not be any closer than fifty feet from any structure. Fires must be extinguished by 6:00 p.m.

City of Hannibal Ordinance

Keokuk, Iowa

The fire chief shall determine days suitable for leaf burning (open burn days) during the period of October 1st through December 15th and during the month of April. Leaf burning on open burn days is allowed from seven a.m. to seven p.m. Leaf burning is prohibited within two blocks of any school during their regular hours. Rules and regulations for leaf burning shall be established by the fire chief and shall be approved by resolution of the city council. The rules and regulations shall be published in a newspaper of local circulation.

City of Keokuk Ordinance

Fort Madison, Iowa

Permits are required for burning of leaves and small brush year round with the exception of October 15 through November 15. During this time a permit is not required. Contact the Fire Department at (319) 372-6472 for this permit.

City of Fort MadisonOrdinance

Macomb, Illinois

It shall be unlawful for any person to burn any com bustible material upon any street in the city. No person shall burn any garbage, grass clippings, lea ves, rubbish or other refuse out of doors anywhere in the city.

City of Macomb Ordinance

For information about burning leaves or other open burning policies, please contact your local fire department.