All year long, but more so in the spring and fall, yard work is at the top of the chore priority list. Cleaning brush and vegetation debris from  summer and winter storms, getting rid of plants, and general clean up becomes important. One concern is how to get rid of the natural materials collected. In some instances burning debris is an option, but not always and not in all areas.

In the communities protected by Central Jackson County Fire Protection District (CJC), the rules vary slightly between communities. Below is a summary of where, what, and when you can burn.

Blue Springs:

Residents are not allowed to burn any natural vegetation or trash, under any circumstances. Blue Springs has adopted a "no open burning" ordinance and violators can be cited.Chimneas, commercially purchased fire pits, and barbeque grills are allowed, except on the deck of a multi family residence. Home built fire pits need to be approved by CJC.

The ordinance; "SECTION 255.080: PROHIBITED PRACTICES - "6.  Engage in the act of open burning.  (CC 1968 §9½-23; Ord. No. 1510 §1, 5-5-86; Ord. No. 1708 §1, 3-21-88)"  can be found Here

Grain Valley

Residents are not allowed to burn any natural vegetation or trash, under any circumstances. Grain Valley has adopted a "no open burning" ordinance and violators can be cited. Chimneas, commercially purchased fire pits, and barbeque grills are allowed, except on the deck of a multi family residence. Home built fire pits need to be approved by CJC.

The ordinance; "SECTION 235.130: PROHIBITED PRACTICES - 3. Burn solid waste unless an approved incinerator is provided or unless a variance has been obtained from the appropriate air pollution control agency." can be found Here

Lake Tapawingo:

Residents are not allowed to burn any natural vegetation or trash, under any circumstances. Lake Tapawingo has adopted a "no open burning" ordinance and violators can be cited. Chimneas, commercially purchased fire pits, and barbeque grills are allowed, except on the deck of a multi family residence. Home built fire pits need to be approved by CJC.

The ordinance; "SECTION 210.300: BURNING OF NOXIOUS AND POLLUTING SUBSTANCES - A. It shall be unlawful for any person to burn trash, leaves, vegetation, debris, refuse and any material or substance which emits particulate matter, dust, fumes, fly ash, gas odor, mist, smoke, pollen, odorous substances or any combination thereof.". can be found Here

Jackson County within CJCFPD Boundries:

Residents may burn household refuse in a barrel as long as it is from a single residence owned or resided in by the person burning the trash. Chimneas, commercially purchased fire pits, and barbeque grills are allowed, except on the deck of a multi family residence. Home built fire pits need to be approved by CJC.

Any natural vegetation to be burned must be done so under a permit issues by Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). Permit appllications can be filled out at CJC Station 3, 805 NE Jefferson, Blue Springs MO. After the application is completed, a site visit will be done by the CJC Fire Prevention Division to determine size and amount of the vegetation being burned, distances from structures and property lines, and to insure there are no prohibited items in with the debris. Once the permit is issued by MDNR, guidelines will be outlined. Jackson County ordinances can be found Here

 Burn Permit

CJC REC Burn Permit

If there any questions, please feel free to contact the CJC Fire Prevention Division at 816-229-2522, M-F / 8a - 4p or email questions This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it