Perry residents are reminded that today is the first day that open burning of yard waste can happen within the city.

The City Council approved at a meeting this past September for open yard waste burning to be from October 31st through November 20th from 10am until sundown. Police Chief Eric Vaughn tells Raccoon Valley Radio that burning is restricted to yard waste only and that it is monitored at all times. He points out that property owners should only burn yard waste in the rear of their property and keep the burn pile at least 30 feet from another structure that isn’t on your property.

Vaughn talks about the types of calls they usually get from neighboring residents.

“Unattended fires, just nobody’s around, somebody sets them and then they walk away or go to the store, whatever. And then the after hours ones are the largest ones that we get complaints about. We also do get complaints, and just a reminder that, it’s for yard waste, it’s not for your old couch, your load of cardboard, garbage, or anything like that. Those are still restricted and prohibited all the time.”       

Vaughn notes the Council also approved to increase the infraction amount that someone could face if they are found in violation of the open burning ordinance. The fine is now $250 for a first offense and then $500 for the second or subsequent offense. Anyone with questions can contact City Hall at 515-465-2481.