Burn Permit FAQs
Answers to frequently asked questions about using this site.
To activate your burn permit, log into your account and hit the activate burn button on your approved burn permit. You must have an open burning permit in order to activate a burn. If you do not, apply for a permit here.
The website homepage will be updated when burning is not allowed, and you will not be able to activate a permit if conditions are unsafe.
The below rules apply to all open burning within the district.
- Air Quality must be in the “GREEN”.
- Fire Danger Rating must be low/“BLUE”.
- Wind Speed must be 10 mph or less.
- You must have a valid burn permit.
Open burning applications are open year round.
You will receive an email at the email address you entered at registration with your permit approval information.
Registering for firepermits.com and applying for a burn permit are two separate actions. After you register for the site you will be directed to log into it. You will be automatically taken to your permit portal where you can apply for your permit.
It could be that you registered for the site, but did not apply for a permit, Visit the Get a Permit link to apply for your permit.
If you get an error saying that your email address has already been used on the site, it means you’ve already registered for the site. Login here instead. You may need to reset your password.
If you have tried to log in and receive an error that your password is invalid and you need to reset it, click on “Lost Your Password”. Follow the prompts and then check your email for a password reset link.
*Please note: The password reset link may bet filtered into your junk/spam folder.
Open Burning Permits & Restrictions
City of Oak Grove residents must comply with Oak Grove’s Open Burning Ordinance and additional regulations imposed by City Hall. Learn when and where open burning is allowed, and how to do it safely.
Open Burning Dates
Open Burning is allowed during the following times:
- Residents of Oak Grove can burn from March 1 – April 30 and from November 1 – December 31.
- Oak Grove Land Clearing is allowed year round from January 1 – December 31.
- Unincorporated / Rural Permits are available from January 1 – December 31.
If open burning is allowed in your community, contact your local fire department to obtain an open burning permit in advance.
Many of the restriction on burning are set forth by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources where public safety, life safety, and your safety is priority. We realize that in past times that open burning has gone unchecked and had been allowed without the use of permits, but now LAWS have changed.
Recreational burning and special permits may be granted after an evaluation of the burn site, weather conditions, and fire danger ratings.
There are many requirements you have to comply with in order to burn within the Fire District! The below rules apply to all open burning within the district.
- Air Quality must be in the “GREEN“.
Click Here for District Air Quality – Click “ozone” only and “Show Green Contours” - Fire Danger Rating must be low/”BLUE“.
Click Here for Fire Danger for the District information - Wind Speed must be 10 mph or less.
Weather/Wind Speed for the District - You must have a valid burn permit.
- You must activate your burn online before burning each day.
- Oak Grove City Residents have further restrictions found in the Oak Grove’s Open Burning Ordinance.
- You are 18 years of age or older and that you have the physical and mental capacity to conduct any burning for which this annual permit is issued.
- Prior to burning, I will visit this website to check the daily burning restrictions.
- I will only burn items on the approved materials list found in the Laws & FAQs section.
- I will attend my burn at all times and make certain it is completely extinguished and cold to the touch before leaving.
- I am not burning waste generated by a business or commercial entity.
- If my burn escapes my control, I will dial 911 immediately.
You are allowed to burn:
- Grass, hay, leaves, brush, stumps, and trees
- Trees and brush from agricultural land clearing
You may not burn:
- Tires
- Construction materials or demolition debris
- Household trash
You can help prevent wildland fires by burning early in the season. Wet and snowy winter conditions help hinder the rapid spread of fire on or under the ground.
Changing weather conditions and increased fire danger in spring can lead to many days when open burning is not allowed.
April is usually the worst month for brush fires. When snow recedes, but before new growth emerges, last year’s dead grass, leaves and wood are dangerous tinder. Winds also tend to be strong and unpredictable in April.
While still allowed in most towns and cities, open burning has disadvantages.
The combustion process releases carbon dioxide, other gases, and solid substances directly into the air. This can make it difficult for people with respiratory problems to breathe. It can also cause smoke and odor nuisance conditions for neighbors.
Disposing of natural materials is never as good for the environment as recycling them. Ask your public works or solid waste department if your community chips or composts natural debris into landscaping material.
Fire pits have become popular in recent years. But unless they are being used for cooking, they are subject to the open burning regulation and require a permit. If you do use a fire pit for cooking, the fire must be:
- Kept to a reasonable size
- Located away from combustible materials
- Contained in a non-flammable enclosure, and
- Tended by someone who is 18 years of age or older.
Remember to burn only clean, dry firewood. This will minimize the amount of smoke leaving your property and affecting neighbors. You may not burn trash, refuse or similar materials.
Some cities and towns regulate, limit or prohibit the use of chimineas, fire pits and outdoor fireplaces. To find out if your community has specific requirements, contact your local fire department.