Your Responsibilities:

• Find out if a burn ban is in effect before you burn and know what can and cannot be burnt.

• Continuously supervise your fire.

• Don’t start a fire after 9 pm or before 6 am.

 

Special Note on Cook Fires: Outside cook fires are always allowed, even during burn bans, but must be supervised and contained.

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For the most part, open burning on private property is allowed in Sarcoxie.

 

What You Can Burn:

• Yard waste like tree limbs, leaves, brush, etc.

• Untreated wood (Example: 2X4 that has not been treated, coated, or painted.)

 

What You Can NOT Burn:

• Wood that has been chemically treated or manufactured using chemicals or that contains adhesives or resins. Things like plywood, particleboard, chipboard or wood with other than minimal amounts of paint, coating or finish cannot be burnt.

• Residential waste – solid waste produced by routine household activities such as paper waste and garbage from daily activities.

• Home remodeling wastes

• Wastes from home businesses

• Durable goods such as old appliances, carpets or furniture

• Tires

• Other non-routine household waste

• Oil or used oil.

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Consequences:

​​Burning illegal items can result in citations and fines, an embarrassing visit by the fire department to put out the fire, and even an unpleasant visit from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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Burn Ban Basics for Sarcoxie Residents
The City of Sarcoxie has an established Burn Ban Guidance to help keep our community safe during periods of high fire risk. Burn bans are issued only when weather and drought conditions make open burning unsafe, such as very low humidity, severe drought, or strong winds. 

When a Burn Ban May Be Issued
A ban can be put in place when (*Required):

• * Humidity drops to 25% or below

• * The area reaches D2 (severe) drought conditions

• High temperatures (75+)

• Sustained winds of 15 mph or more

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If any one of the required general criteria combined with any one or more general criteria is met, a ban may be issued. Emergency situations—like multiple uncontrolled fires or a critical water shortage—can also trigger a ban.

Who Decides?
The Emergency Management Director issues burn bans within city limits, working closely with local fire departments. Once issued, the city will share the information through the website, news releases, and posted signage.

 

Enforcement & Education
If someone is burning during a ban, public safety crews will extinguish the fire and make sure the resident understands the rules. Knowingly violating a burn ban may result in citations or other corrective actions.

Burning Advisories
When conditions are risky but not severe enough for a full ban, the city may issue a Burning Advisory with safety tips and disposal alternatives.

Stay Informed
Residents are encouraged to check current burning conditions regularly, especially during dry or windy periods. Sarcoxie’s public safety teams remain committed to keeping the community informed and safe.