Starting Friday and running through the Sunday before Thanksgiving, it will be open burning season in the City of Perry.

The City is allowing yard waste burning from November 1st-24th, though there are strict regulations. Perry Fire Chief Chris Hinds says the fires need to be supervised at all times, should not be done within 30-feet of any neighboring structure, and are not allowed in streets, alleys, or other right-of-ways. Hinds emphasizes that fire is always dangerous, which is why the rules for open burning are so restrictive. “You’ve got to use a little common sense where you burn, but it has to be in the rear of your property and it’s got to be between the hours of 10 a.m. and sundown. And of course if there is a complaint about your burning or whatever, the police will come out, even though it’s open burning, and ask you to extinguish your fire.”

Hinds adds, you should never burn wet material, including leaves and grass, as that creates a lot of smoke and you’re likely to get some complaints from neighbors. He says it’s always best to make sure your yard waste is as dry as possible before burning it, and to get some airflow around it by getting it off the ground. Additionally, City staff recommends residents take advantage of the weekly yard waste pick-up service, which is free to all garbage customers, as opposed to burning. Anyone with questions about open burning in Perry can stop in or call City Hall at 515-465-2481, or visit the City’s website, PerryIA.org.