By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle.
OZARK — Residents living within the City of Ozark are being reminded that a burn permit is required before conducting any open burning inside city limits, according to an announcement from Ozark Fire & Rescue.
In a public notice issued this week, the department emphasized, “If you live within the City of Ozark, a burn permit is required before any open burning.”
Permits are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at three fire stations across the city: Station 3, located at 100 Mixon School Road; Dowling Station at 382 North Union Avenue; and Chancey Station at 202 Will Logan Road.
Under the updated policy, residential burn permits may be issued for up to three days, while commercial permits may be issued for up to seven days.
Officials cautioned that permits are subject to cancellation if weather conditions become unsafe or if a burn ban is issued. “Permits may be cancelled due to weather conditions or burn bans,” the department stated.
The department also warns that citations may be issued to individuals who violate the burn permit policy, and any fire exceeding one-quarter of an acre requires a separate permit from the Alabama Forestry Commission in addition to the city permit.
Officials say the policy is designed to help reduce the risk of uncontrolled fires and protect both property and public safety. More detailed information on the burn permit policy and fire safety tips shared from Ozark Fire and Rescue can be found below.
Graphic shared by Ozark Fire and Rescue
Burn Permits — City of Ozark Open Burning Ordinance (Public Instructions)
Section 1. Purpose
This ordinance is enacted to regulate open burning within the City of Ozark to protect public safety, property, and environmental quality.
Section 2. Permit Requirement
No person shall ignite or maintain any open burn within the City of Ozark without first obtaining a valid burn permit from the Ozark Fire Department, unless otherwise exempted by law.
Section 3. Permit Availability
Burn permits are available for pickup between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at the following Ozark Fire Department locations:
• Station 3 – 100 Mixon School Road
• Dowling Station – 382 North Union Avenue
• Chancey Station – 202 Will Logan Road
Section 4. Notification to Central Dispatch
The Ozark Fire Department shall notify Central Dispatch when a burn permit is issued. The notification will include the burn address and authorized duration. Members of the public are not required to contact Central Dispatch before burning, provided a valid permit has been issued.
Section 5. Permit Limits
• Residential burn permits shall not exceed three (3) days.
• Commercial burn permits shall not exceed seven (7) days.
Permits are subject to cancellation due to weather conditions or burn bans.
Section 6. Weather, Smoke, and Public Nuisance
Burning is prohibited during adverse weather conditions, burn bans, or when smoke creates a public nuisance or hazard. Any fire that generates a complaint must be extinguished immediately when directed by the Ozark Fire Department.
Section 7. Violations and Penalties
Any person who burns without a permit or violates the conditions of this ordinance shall be subject to citation and penalties as allowed by law.
Section 8. Liability
A burn permit does not release the permit holder from responsibility or liability for damages, injuries, or smoke-related impacts caused by the fire.
Section 9. Land Clearing and Large-Scale Burns
• Land clearing, construction, and contractor burns require evaluation by the Ozark Fire Department and may require an additional permit from the Alabama Forestry Commission.
• Any fire exceeding one-quarter (¼) acre requires a permit from the Alabama Forestry Commission and the City of Ozark Fire Department.
Alabama Forestry Commission Contact Information:
• 1-800-392-5679
Section 10. Effective Date
This ordinance shall take effect upon adoption and shall remain in force until amended or repealed by the appropriate governing authority.
In case of an emergency, residents should call 911.
Fire Safety Tips from Ozark Fire Department
Solid, Masonry, or Brick-Type Fireplaces
• Use only dry, seasoned wood.
• Do not burn trash, cardboard, newspapers, or similar materials.
• Ensure the damper is fully open before starting a fire.
• Install screens or glass covers to prevent sparks from escaping.
Holiday and Seasonal Fire Safety
• Keep natural Christmas trees well-watered.
• Never leave space heaters or candles unattended.
• Maintain at least 3 feet of clearance between flammable materials and heat sources.
General Home Fire Safety Tips
• Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor.
• Test detectors monthly and replace batteries annually.
• Keep a Class A-B-C fire extinguisher accessible.
• Develop and practice a family fire escape plan.
These fire safety tips are part of the department’s broader effort to educate the community and reduce fire-related injuries and property loss.
For more information about burn permits and fire safety, visit the City of Ozark’s Fire Department page on the official city website.
