Mesa County Health Department begins issuing permits for Fall Open Burn season today , Sept. 6. The season was delayed due to a county-wide Stage I fire restriction , which Mesa County Sheriff’s Office officials lifted Sept. 3.
Residents need a permit to burn yard waste.
· Those who live in Grand Junction , Fruita , Palisade , Clifton and Loma should get a permit from their local fire department.
· Residents of East and Central Orchard Mesa and Whitewater should get a permit from the Mesa County Health Department.
· All others should also contact the Mesa County Health Department.
It is OK to burn agricultural debris , dry weeds , garden debris and tree , shrub or brush trimmings less than one inch in diameter. Recreational backyard fires using untreated wood for fuel are also OK.
It is NOT OK to burn leaves , grass trimmings , limbs greater than 1 inch in diameter , garbage or household trash , construction or demolition waste , rubber , plastic , waste petroleum or other materials that release toxic smoke.
Consider composting. Instead of burning , yard waste can be taken to the Mesa County Organic Materials composting facility. They accept organic materials such as leaves , grass clippings , tree limbs , unpainted lumber , hay and straw free of charge from Mesa County residents. The composting facility is located at 3071 U.S. Hwy. 50 and is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
For more information on open burning or to obtain a permit through the Mesa County Health Department , please call (970) 248-6966 or visit health.mesacounty.us.
