Burn Ban Information For Linn County

Current NWS Quad Cities - Grassland Fire Danger Index (GFDI)

Is a Burn Ban in Effect?

Linn County may request a countywide burn ban when weather conditions create a significant risk for rapid fire growth. Under Linn County’s countywide standard operating guidelines, the Quad Cities National Weather Service office monitors local fire weather conditions, and the issuance of a Red Flag Warning results in an automatic request for a countywide burn ban. Burn bans may also be requested outside a Red Flag Warning if local fire chiefs determine conditions are dangerous enough to justify one.

A countywide burn ban is issued through the Iowa State Fire Marshal under Iowa Code section 100.40. In Linn County, Emergency Management coordinates the request process on behalf of the county’s fire chiefs and submits the request to the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Once issued, the burn ban prohibits open burning and cancels previously issued burn permits, subject to the exceptions allowed under Iowa law. Violation of a burn ban is a simple misdemeanor.

Open burning in Linn County is governed by Linn County Ordinance 10.63.

When a Burn Ban Starts

A burn ban for Linn County typically begins when one of the following occurs:

  • The National Weather Service issues a Red Flag Warning for Linn County
  • Fire chiefs across Linn County determine conditions are unsafe for open burning
  • A request is submitted to and approved by the Iowa State Fire Marshal

Under Linn County’s guidelines, a Red Flag Warning triggers an automatic request for a countywide burn ban. If dangerous conditions develop outside a Red Flag Warning, Linn County Emergency Management will contact fire chiefs throughout the county to seek unanimous approval for a countywide burn ban request.

When a Burn Ban Ends

A burn ban remains in effect until conditions improve enough that the danger no longer exists and the ban is rescinded. When Linn County fire officials determine those hazardous conditions have passed, Linn County Emergency Management notifies the State Fire Marshal’s Office and submits the request to rescind the burn ban, including the date and time it should end.

What a Burn Ban Means

During a burn ban, open burning is prohibited in the affected area. Iowa law does provide limited exceptions, including certain supervised permitted burns, outdoor fireplaces, barbecue grills, properly supervised landfills, and certain enclosed incinerators or trash burners that meet the legal standard. Residents should always verify the current restrictions before burning anything outdoors.

Best Practices to Reduce Fire Risk Around Your Home

Image Courtesy of National Interagency Fire Center

Even when a burn ban is not in place, residents can take steps to reduce the chance of wildfire or grass fire spread around their homes. The National Interagency Fire Center recommends actions such as using fire resistant or non-combustible roofing and exterior materials, cleaning roofs and gutters to remove leaves and needles, keeping tree branches away from chimneys and roofs, screening vents with metal mesh to reduce ember entry, spacing shrubs apart, removing low hanging branches, keeping firewood and other combustibles away from structures, and making sure your address is clearly visible from the road. NIFC also recommends keeping a garden hose connected and having basic fire tools available.

Before You Burn

If outdoor burning is allowed, residents should still use caution:

  • Check current weather conditions before burning
  • Never burn on windy or very dry days
  • Stay with the fire at all times
  • Keep a water source and tools nearby
  • Make sure the burn is fully extinguished before leaving
  • Follow all local permit requirements and restrictions

Linn County open burning permits are only valid when all permit conditions are met, including safe burning practices, required supervision, and compliance with authorized dates and hours.

Stay Informed

Residents should watch for updates from Linn County Emergency Management, local fire departments, and the Iowa State Fire Marshal regarding burn ban status. Conditions can change quickly, especially during periods of warm temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds. A Red Flag Warning means critical fire weather conditions are occurring or expected soon, and fires can spread rapidly under those conditions.