As Iowa continues to recover from the Aug. 10 derecho, Cedar County Emergency Management is reminding all Cedar County residents of responsibilities according to the Cedar County burn ordinance. Please note that this ordinance applies to rural residents; local jurisdiction may have other restrictions or rules that pertain to open burning. Those who live in an incorporated jurisdiction are strongly encouraged to contact their local City Hall regarding burning restrictions and ordinances.
The Cedar County burn ordinance was established to promote the better use of fire equipment and local fire department volunteers’ time by requiring persons to give prior notice of the intent to burn prairies, pastures, field, yards, road ditches, building destruction debris and/or large brush fires.
If planning an open burn, one must first notify a dispatcher on duty at the Cedar County Law Center with the following information: name of the person responsible for the burn, person’s telephone/cellphone number, the specific location of the burn, the date and time that the open burn will be held.
An adult over the age of 18 must remain near the burn to attend it until the fire is extinguished.
To notify dispatch, please contact the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office at 563-886-2121, extension 4.
All residents are reminded to monitor the weather conditions prior to the open burn and to refrain from burning on windy days or during times of excessive dry conditions within the county or during declared burn bans.