Fire Marshal's Office

The Fire Marshal is responsible for code enforcement, investigations and issuance of permits.

Recreational Fires and Portable Outdoor Fireplace Events

Recreational and portable outdoor fireplace fires can be great family fun as long as a few basic rules are followed. 

Wind Direction

Always be a good neighbor and be aware of wind direction. Your neighbor probably won’t be happy if their windows are open or if their clean laundry is on the line.

Fuel / Wood

Fuel used must be strictly limited to charcoal products or natural growing form wood, dried,  split, or sawn to lengths no greater than four (4) feet.  No processed wood such as 2x4s, plywood, building materials, etc., may be burned.  Burning of papers, garden waste, rubbish, refuse, grass, leaves or brush is prohibited.  

Smoke

Atmospheric conditions should be such that smoke and gases are allowed to rise up and away. If smoke, gases, or fire become a public nuisance, the fire must be extinguished. All complaints will be directed to the fire department through non-emergency dispatch at 563-589-4415 and a fire department representative will respond to complaints and make a determination as to whether the fire or smoke is a nuisance. 

Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a municipal infraction.

Recreational Fire

An outdoor fire consisting of approved fuels is listed above where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, portable outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill or barbecue pit, and has a total fuel are of three (3) feet or less in diameter and two (2) feet or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth, or similar purposes.

Recreational fires shall not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material. Conditions that would cause a fire to spread within 25 feet of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.

Recreational fires shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. No fewer than one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose, or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization.

Portable Outdoor Fireplace

A portable, outdoor solid fuel burning fireplace that may be constructed of steel, concrete, clay, or other non-combustible material. A portable outdoor fireplace may be open in design, or may be equipped with a small hearth opening and a short chimney or chimney opening in the top.

Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material. 

Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. No fewer than one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose, or water truck, shall be available for immediate utilization.

Burn Ordinance

Burning restrictions on solid waste and yard waste


Fire Code / Plan Review

Per City Code a copy of the adopted code is kept at the City Clerk's office for inspection.

It is strongly recommended that persons having questions about the Fire Code contact the Fire Marshal's Office at 563-589-4160 or by email.  Much of the code is up to the interpretation of the authority having jurisdiction, or the Fire Chief.

Plan review, addressed by a group of city departments including:  Zoning, Engineering, Planning, Water, Building, Public Works, and Fire, meets every Thursday at 10 a.m.

To get on the agenda or get information about Plan Review, please contact the Planning Services Department at 563.589.4210 or by email. 

Additional Information