CENTRALIA — Due to the storms that came through the area last weekend, the City of Centralia would like to announce that this weekend will be approved for open burning.

The times for burning will be extended as follows: Saturday, June 24th & Sunday, June 25th from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It is legal to burn landscape waste only. Landscape waste is defined as being dry leaves, trimmings from trees and shrubs, tree limbs and branches, vines and thelike. Landscape waste does not include grass clippings, green trimmings or branches or
wet leaves.

It is important to remember that all fires must be attended by a responsible adult. The residents of the City are reminded that many persons in the community are adversely impacted by smoke on account of asthma and other illnesses, injury or disease.

All residents are urged to utilize the leaf removal and yard waste collection services provided by the City to the fullest extent possible and to burn landscape waste in such a manner to create as little smoke as possible.

Any open burning may be halted and extinguished by the City Manager, Fire Chief, Police Chief or their agents if they determine that the burning is being conducted in an illegal or unsafe manner, or unsafe place, or constitutes a danger to surrounding property or nearby structures, or which is creating unreasonable quantities of smoke.

Open burning may not take place on any City street, roadway, alley or manhole cover. Burning in ditches is allowed but it is recommended that the leaves are not stockpiled in the ditch too many days prior to the burn in order to not impede
drainage of storm water.

Recreational fires are allowed for entertainment and to cook, but require a permit issued by the City Fire Department. This permit costs $5.00 and must be applied for in writing at least 24 hours prior to the planned recreational fire. Only six (6) such recreational fire permits will be allowed annually for each residence.The fire may be no larger than six (6) feet by six (6) feet.

If you have any questions about the rules that govern the burning, feel free to call the Office of the City Manager at 533-7622 or view the ordinance on the City website at www.cityofcentralia.org. An open burn permit for a recreational fire may also be downloaded from the City website.