Yard Debris Burning Procedures

Citizens may request a burn permit, or renew their previous year's burn permit, by calling the City of Beaufort Fire Department's Administration Division at 843-525-7055.

Requirements

To request a permit, the requester must own the property on which the burning will be conducted, or have a notarized letter from the property owner granting permission to burn on the property.

The permit holder must call the burn request line at 843-525-7032 on each day of the burn cycle in which burning will be conducted or that permit to be valid.

First-time permit requests

First-time permit holder must have their property and burn area inspected by a fire official prior to the permit being issued. For the permit to be issued, the burn area must:

• Be located at a minimum of 50 feet from any combustible structure or vegetation if the burning will be done in an open circle, or 15 feet from the same if the burning will be conducted in an approved container (i.e., metal drum).
• The burn area shall not be within 50 feet of a property line
• The burn pile shall be no more than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height
• Only one burn pile is allowed to burn at one time
• A continuous water source must be connected and able to reach the burn area
• No vegetation above the burn area

Ordinance 0-44-99

TO PROVIDE REGULATION OF AND PERMIT FOR BONFIRES AND OUTDOOR FIRES.

WHEREAS, City Council has received numerous complaints from residents regarding outdoor burning of trash; and

WHEREAS, City Council wishes to discourage burning for health and safety reasons; and

WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on June 8, 1999 to receive comments on restrictions on open burning in the City.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the City Council of the City of Beaufort, South Carolina, duly assembled and by authority of same, hereby amends Article C. Bonfires and Outdoor Rubbish Fires to read as follows:

Article c. Bonfires & Outdoor Rubbish Fires

- This section shall not prohibit cooking fires built in fireplaces, grills, or barbecue pits, contained warming fire and bonfires, which shall be kept under continuous supervision.

- Burning of grass, leaves, and woodland debris shall be allowed by permit only on the owner's property and is restricted to one (1) pile no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height. This burning will be restricted to the hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and only during the first full week of March, April, November and December.

- The burning of trees, brush, and undergrowth on lands within the corporate city limits of Beaufort where such land has been cleared for development will be allowed. All such clearing shall comply with DHEC SC. Air Pollution Control Regulation No. 61-62.2.

- A permit for the aforementioned burnings may be obtained by proper application to and at the discretion of the duty authorized Fire Official on form(s) to be provided by such official.

THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

Additional information

For questions, please call the City of Beaufort Fire Marshal's office at 843-525-7055.

Burn rules and conditions in the City of Beaufort

1. The burning shall be restricted to the hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and only during the first full week of March, April, November, and December.
2. The permit when granted is for burning yard debris, leaves, tree branches, and yard trimmings originating on the premises. The burn pile shall be no larger then 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height. The burning of multiple piles is prohibited.
3. The yard debris must be constantly attended by a competent person until such fire is extinguished. This person must have an adequate hose connected to a sufficient water supply, or other fire extinguisher equipment readily available for use.
4. No person shall kindle or maintain any fire or authorize any such fire to be kindled or maintained on any land or property within the City of Beaufort, unless the location is not less than 50 feet from any structure and adequate provision is made to prevent the fire from spreading within 50 feet of any structure, or the fire is contained in an approved waste burner located safely, not less than 15 feet from any structure.
5. The fire chief, fire marshal, or fire inspector may prohibit any or all of the burning in the City of Beaufort when the atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous.
6. No person shall kindle a fire upon the land or property of another without the written permission of the owner or his agent.
7. The permit when granted does not exempt, relieve or excuse the person responsible for the burning from the consequences of and/or damages or injuries and civil liability resulting from the burning.
8. In the event of a complaint in writing on the form(s) available at the Fire Department, the fire chief, fire marshal, or fire inspector shall revoke or suspend the permit previously issued, provided such complaint appears reasonable under the circumstances and such bonfire or rubbish shall be extinguished forthwith.
9. Any appeal from the action covered in rule 8, must be in writing to the City Council setting forth the full grounds of such appeal, within 10 days.
10. No flammable or combustible liquids shall be used to ignite or maintain the fire.
11. Each and every day that you wish to burn, you must call the City of Beaufort Fire Department burn permit request line (843-525-7032) to ensure burning is allowed for that day.
12. Violation of any of the above rules or burning unsafely, can and will result in the revocation or suspension of the permit.