Open burning is any open flame that releases smoke directly into the air.

Backyard Incinerators

Burn Barrels

Piling up of refuse such as trash, yard clippings, or leaves

Screened pits

Cost effective

Cultural

May be unaware of the harmful affects of open burning

No consistent trash pickup system

Cancer

Heart Damage

Lung Damage

Respiratory Issues Asthma Emphysema Chronic bronchitis

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Reproductive and nervous system disorders

Releases toxic pollutants Particulate matter (PM) Sulfur Dioxide Lead Mercury Dioxin Hexachlorobenzene

Contributes to acid rain

Forms “bad ozone” (smog) which can damage crops and other vegetation

There are legal and illegal ways to open burn.

When, where, and how a material is burned, and what the material is, determines if the burn is legal or illegal.

Local county/municipal ordinances may have more stringent rules than state regulations. Contact your regional Division for Air Quality Office for more information on county ordinances.

Animal carcasses

Campfires

Cooking fires

Cut or fallen branches

Household trash – Paper products ONLY

Natural growth from land clearing

Natural land management

Animal bedding

Chemical containers

Coated and insulated wire

Construction

Garbage

Hay

Motor and used oil

Muck piles (manure/hay)

Plastic, rubber, and tires

Wood materials

During fire season (February 15 through April 30 and October 1 through December 15) burning is allowed only between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

From May-September, open burning of legal materials is allowed but prohibited in particular areas.

Check with your Regional Division for Air Quality Office or call 1-888-BURN-LAW for more information.

During fire season, burn at least 150 feet from the nearest forested area.

Do NOT locate fires near streams, sinkholes, or under or over utility lines.

Do NOT burn within 50 feet of any structure. Do not burn near landfills.

The Governor or county judge may declare a fire emergency. All burning is prohibited at this time.

Most open burning is restricted in Jefferson and Oldham Counties.

Restricted areas from May -September include: Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties, and urban areas of Oldham and Bullitt counties.

Check local ordinances that may prohibit open burning in your area or contact your Regional Division for Air Quality Office.

Composting

Mulching

Recycling

Shredding

Contact your local Solid Waste Coordinator for more information on waste disposal.

Regional Offices:

Ashland Karen Deskins (606) 929-5285

Bowling Green Troy Tabor (270) 746-7475

Florence Clay Redmond (859) 525- 4923

Frankfort Connie Coy (502) 564-3358

Hazard Steve Hall (606) 435-6022

London David Shivel (606) 330-2080

Owensboro Mac Cann (270) 687-7304

Paducah Betsy Ryan (270) 898- 8468