South Sioux City

Per state statute (listed below) anyone wishing to obtain an open burning permit must contact South Sioux City Fire Rescue (SSCFR).  Prior to being issued an open burning permit, the location and items being burned must be inspected by the assigned SSCFR representative.  It is required that a water source is operational and on the premises the open burn will be taking place. Once approved, the permit will be issued to the person(s) who will be responsible for the property and fire monitoring.  The time and date will be specifically listed on the permit as to when the open burn may take place.  SSCFR also requires a signature from the responsible parties and a phone number at which they can be reached during the approved open burning.  If you have any questions feel free to contact SSCFR at any of the numbers listed on this page.

81-520.01.

Statewide open burning ban; waiver; permit; fee.

(1) There shall be a statewide open burning ban on all bonfires, outdoor rubbish fires, and fires for the purpose of clearing land.

(2) The fire chief of a local fire department may waive an open burning ban under subsection (1) of this section for an area under the local fire department's jurisdiction by issuing an open burning permit to a person requesting permission to conduct open burning. The permit issued by the fire chief to a person desiring to conduct open burning shall be in writing, signed by the fire chief, and on a form prescribed by the State Fire Marshal. The State Fire Marshal shall provide local fire departments with such forms.

(3) The fire chief of a local fire department may waive the open burning ban in the local fire department's jurisdiction when conditions are acceptable to the chief. Anyone intending to burn in such jurisdiction when the open burning ban has been waived shall notify the fire chief of his or her intention to burn prior to starting the burn.

(4) The fire chief of a local fire department may adopt standards listing the conditions acceptable for issuing a permit to conduct open burning under subsection (2) of this section.

(5) The local fire department may charge a fee, not to exceed ten dollars, for each such permit issued. This fee shall be remitted to the governing body for inclusion in the general funds allocated to the fire department. Such funds shall not reduce the tax requirements for the fire department. No such fee shall be collected from any state or political subdivision to which such a permit is issued to conduct open burning under subsection (2) of this section in the course of such state's or political subdivision's official duties.