McHenry County Health Department reminds residents about open burning restrictions

The McHenry County Department of Health reminds residents of the Public Health Ordinance restrictions regarding the open burning of landscape waste.

Residents located within municipalities should check with their city or village regarding additional restrictions that may apply.

Where a more restrictive ordinance does not apply, the open burning of landscape waste is limited to Saturdays and Sundays in April, May, October and November from dawn to dusk.

Any burn area must be located a minimum of 100 feet from any habitable structure and 50 feet from a detached garage, shed, barn or any other non-habitable structure.

Adult supervision is required throughout the duration of the burning. A water source or fire extinguisher must be available.

Only landscape waste generated on the site may be burned. Burning any other materials, such as garbage, paper, cardboard, construction materials or animal waste is prohibited.

The McHenry County Department of Health encourages residents to consider alternatives to the open burning of landscape waste, such as mulching, native landscaping, composting, using landscape service companies or dropping landscape waste off at a composting facility or landscape waste transfer station.

Residents also should take advantage of landscape waste pick-up services provided by their local municipal solid waste haulers.

The Department of Health strives to provide timely responses to open burning complaints. Residents also may contact any local law enforcement agency, fire department or fire protection district with a complaint.

Agencies who respond to open burning concerns are responsible for a variety of issues. All responses are prioritized, and an immediate response is not always possible.

Complete information about the Public Health Ordinance, suggested alternatives, and bonfire permit applications are available at www.mcdh.info or by calling the Division of Environmental Health at (815) 334-4585.