April 25th, 2025

Galena, IL – Residents of Jo Daviess County are breathing a sigh of relief as county officials announced Thursday the immediate lifting of the recent open burning ban. The ban, which was put in place due to concerns over dry conditions and increased fire risk, has been rescinded, allowing for the resumption of open burning under specific safety guidelines.

The decision to lift the ban comes after recent changes in weather patterns and a decrease in the overall fire hazard in the region. However, county authorities are strongly emphasizing the continued need for vigilance and adherence to strict safety precautions to prevent any potential fire incidents.

When engaging in open burning, residents are required to follow these crucial guidelines:
Open Burning Precautions:

• Strictly Daylight Hours: All open burning activities must be conducted only during daylight hours and must be completely extinguished before darkness sets in.
• Natural Vegetation Only: The only materials permitted for open burning are those that naturally grow on the property, such as leaves, branches, and other vegetative debris. The burning of trash, construction materials, or other non-vegetative items remains prohibited.
• Constant Supervision and Preparedness are Key: Any open fire must be continuously attended by a responsible adult. Burning is strictly prohibited during windy conditions, and a readily available water source, such as a garden hose or buckets of water, must be on hand to extinguish the fire if necessary.
  For those planning recreational fires, such as campfires or bonfires, the following rules must be observed:
  Recreational Fire Guidelines:
• Burn Only Wood: Only clean, untreated wood products are allowed to be burned in recreational fires.
• Never Leave Unattended and Monitor Wind: Recreational fires must be attended by a responsible adult at all times and should not be started or maintained when windy conditions are present.
• Ensure Complete Extinguishment: All recreational fires must be fully and completely extinguished once they are no longer in use. Embers should be thoroughly doused with water until cold to the touch.
• Maintain a Safe Distance: Recreational fires must be located at a minimum of 15 feet away from all structures, including homes, sheds, fences, and decks.
  County officials urge all residents to take these precautions seriously to ensure the safety of themselves, their neighbors, and the community as a whole. Failure to comply with these guidelines could result in fines or other penalties.
  
• Residents are encouraged to contact their local fire department or the Jo Daviess County Emergency Management Agency with any questions or concerns regarding open burning safety. By working together and exercising caution, the community can safely enjoy the ability to conduct necessary burning activities.
• ‘815-776-0335’