Open burning in the City of Marion is not permitted except for recreational fires and special ceremonial fires that meet conditions set forth by the Fire Chief (e.g. American Legion flag burning ceremony).  A recreational fire is used for cooking by burning clear wood or charcoal only. A recreational fire has a total fuel area of 2 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height.  A recreational fire cannot be used for the purpose of burning trash, leaves, treated lumber or landscape waste.  Open burning in parks is permitted only in burning containers or ringed pits.  Recreational fires must also comply with the following:

• Recreational fires cannot be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material unless contained in a barbecue pit.  Conditions that could cause the fire to spread to within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.

• The manufactured “fire pits” that are equipped with screens and lids, if are put together and used according to the manufacturers instructions, can be placed no closer than 15 feet to a combustible structure.

• Buckets, shovels, garden hose or fire extinguisher with a minimum of 4-A rating shall be readily available for use at recreational fires.

• Recreational fires shall be constantly attended by a person knowledgeable in the use of fire-extinguishing equipment.  An attendant shall supervise the fire until it is extinguished.

• The Fire Chief (or his/her designee) is authorized to require that recreational fires be immediately discontinued if such fires are determined by the Chief  (or his/her designee) to constitute a hazardous condition or neighborhood nuisance. 

Portable outdoor fireplaces like the one shown are acceptable as long as they are 25 feet from any structure, not sitting directly on a combustible surface and as long as the smoke from it is not a neighborhood nuisance.

Please contact the Marion Fire Department at 377-8237 if you have any further questions regarding open burning within the City of Marion.

See also, Open Burning Rules for Linn County.