One of the most often asked questions we receive is in regards to open burning. Although we understand that burning is often a useful tool, many accidental fires can be attributed to open burns that got out of control. These fires have caused significant losses to property and cost thousands of dollars to mitigate. For that reason, restrictions and limitations are enforced. Listed below are the restrictions/limitations applicable to our community.

Sand Springs City Limits

Open Burning IS NOT ALLOWED in the city limits of Sand Springs. The City of Sand Springs, OK – Code of Ordinances, Title 8 – Health & Safety, Chapter 8.44 – Open Burning and Emission Control provides for the following exceptions:

• Outdoor opening burning in connection with the preparation of food
• Campfires and fires used solely for recreation purposes or for ceremonial occasions, not burning refuse or trade wastes

A variance to the open burning restriction can be granted if the property is more than 3 acres with approval from the Sand Springs Fire Department and City of Sand Springs. For more information on the guidelines to receive an Open Burning Variance, please contact our Fire Marshal at (918) 246-2548

Tulsa County

Open Burning IS NOT ALLOWED in Tulsa County. The Tulsa Health Department helps enforce the restrictions by issuing permits for burning variances upon request by conducting inspections – call (918) 595-4200 to obtain a burn permit.

Considerations:

• Upon receipt of a Burn Permit from the THD, party must notify SSFD that they are going to burn
• Burning is allowed only when the wind is 10 mph or less
• Burning must be 500 ft from any residence
• Burning shall begin 3 hours after sunrise and end 3 hours before sunset
• Complaints regarding smoke can cause burn permit to be revoked
• No burning is allowed on “Ozone Alert” days, or when Governor or County “Burn Bans” have been declared. Visit http://www.forestry.ok.gov/burn-ban-information for current burn bans
• The authority to conduct open burning does not exempt or excuse a person from the liability of damages or injuries which may result from such activities.

Exceptions: (No Permit Required)

• Outdoor opening burning in connection with the preparation of food
• Campfires and fires used solely for recreation purposes or for ceremonial occasions, not burning refuse or trade wastes

Agricultural Prescribed Burns

Prescribed burns should follow the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture – Forestry Services’ – “Notification Requirements and Considerations for Safe and Lawful Prescribed Burning in Oklahoma - Guidelines, State Law and the Notification Plan” – at this link: http://www.forestry.ok.gov/Websites/forestry/Images/burnlaw.pdf