By Jeff Devine, Editor-in-Chief, Dale County Chronicle.
OZARK — The City of Ozark has implemented a new burn permit policy aimed at improving public safety and reducing the risk of uncontrolled fires within city limits.
Under the updated policy, residents and businesses located within Ozark city limits are required to obtain a burn permit before conducting any open burning. Permits may be obtained in person at any of the city’s three fire stations between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day.
The policy places clear limits on the duration of permitted burns. Residential burns may not exceed three days, while commercial burns are limited to a maximum of seven days. City officials noted that all permits are subject to cancellation due to weather conditions or active burn bans, which are typically issued during periods of increased fire danger.
The Ozark Fire Department emphasized that enforcement measures are in place, and citations may be issued to individuals or businesses that violate the burn permit policy.
In addition to city requirements, any fire exceeding one-quarter of an acre will require a separate permit from the Alabama Forestry Commission, even if a city permit has been issued.
City officials encourage residents to familiarize themselves with the new guidelines before conducting any outdoor burning. Additional information about the burn permit policy is available on the city’s website at www.ozarkal.gov/fire-department.
The policy is intended to help protect homes, property, and first responders while allowing controlled burning to take place safely when conditions permit.
In other Fire Department-related news, Ozark Fire Department and the Red Cross Partner to Provide Free Smoke Detectors.
The Ozark Fire Department has teamed up with the American Red Cross to bring the Sound the Alarm fire safety program to the Ozark community, offering free smoke detectors and installation to eligible residents.
The initiative is designed to improve home fire safety by ensuring residents living within the Ozark city limits have working smoke detectors—one of the most effective tools for early fire detection and life-saving alerts. Fire officials emphasize that properly installed and functioning smoke alarms significantly reduce the risk of injury or death in a residential fire.
As part of the program, Ozark Fire Department personnel will install smoke detectors at no cost to homeowners, completing the process safely and efficiently during a scheduled visit.
Residents interested in participating can arrange a free installation by contacting the Ozark Fire Department at 334-774-1684. Appointments will be scheduled at a time convenient for the resident.
Fire officials encourage residents not to delay, noting that taking preventative steps now can make a critical difference in protecting families and homes from fire-related emergencies.
