The following information is to help clarify some of the procedures and restrictions pertaining to the Open Burning Permit (PDF).

Application Process

• This is only an application for an open burning permit (PDF) and must be submitted 7 days prior to date of burn.
• Once you have returned the completed form to 1 of our 5 fire stations, a fire department representative will visit the proposed burn site.
• The application is then forwarded to the St. Joseph County Health Department for their approval.
• The total process from application to approval will take at least 2 days, not including mail delivery.

Approval

• Once the application has been approved and signed by the St. Joseph County Health Department, the Health Department will mail you the permit.
• Until you receive the permit, burning is not allowed.
• Once approved, the permit is good for the 2-week period which you listed on the application.

Burning

• All burning must take place between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• If a health-related complaint is received regarding your burning, the fire must be extinguished even though a permit has been issued.
• All burn piles must not be any larger than 3 feet high and 5 feet in diameter, and must be at least 25 feet away from other combustibles such as bushes, wood piles, or buildings.
• The burning site must be attended at all times.
• No stumps, grass clippings, leaves, finished lumber or other construction materials are to be burned with this permit.
• The open burning permits were designed for storm clean-up, not clearing a lot for construction.

More Information
If you should have any questions not answered above, please contact Clay Fire Territory at 574-272-2144 or the St. Joseph County Health Department - Environmental Division at 574-235-9721.