Each type of outdoor fire has a specific permitting process and requirements. Open burning is prohibited in the City of Lee's Summit by ordinance but with an approved permit or when properly using a portable fireplace, burning may be allowed.
A burning permit may be obtained by contacting Fire Prevention at 816.969.1300 during regular business hours Monday through Friday.
Portable Outdoor Fireplaces
These types of devices are commonly referred to as a chimenea, fire pit with a spark arrestor or outdoor fireplace. These fires are contained inside a device or under a metal mesh and are allowed without a permit when used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
- A permit is not required.
- Only seasoned firewood can be burned. Trash, lumber or yard waste is prohibited.
- Fireplaces must be 15 feet from structures (such as homes) and combustible materials (IFC 307.4.3).
- The fire must be constantly attended until it is extinguished.
- At least one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved fire extinguishing equipment such as dirt, sand, water barrel, hose or water truck must be available for immediate utilization (IFC 307.5).
Recreational and Cooking Fires
These are open fires not contained inside a closed device and are commonly referred to as a campfire. The fire may be contained in a fire pit or in a ring of bricks or stones.
- A permit is required for each fire. The first permit requires a site visit from Fire Prevention. Subsequent permits can be obtained by phone.
- Recreational fires must be 25 feet from structures (such as homes) and combustible materials (IFC 307.4.4).
- These fires cannot be larger than three feet in diameter and two feet in height.
- Only seasoned firewood can be burned. Trash, lumber and yard waste is prohibited.
Agricultural and Land Clearance Burning
This is the opening burning of brush and other vegetative waste on agriculturally zoned land and commercial land clearance projects .
- A permit is required from the Fire Department. The site must be inspected and approved by the Fire Department and meet the requirements of city ordinance and the requirements of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). The permit is for one year.
- Brush piles must contain only vegetative waste. No trash or lumber.
- Brush piles must be 600 feet away from any inhabitable structure, other than your own, unless an Air Curtain Destructor is used or waivers are obtained. The brush pile shall not be closer than 50 feet to any structure on the same property.
- Burning is permitted between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- Burning may be suspended daily due to atmospheric conditions.