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1. What should I do when an emergency vehicle approaches?

Arkansas Law states that when an emergency vehicle approaches the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the highway clear of an intersection and shall stop and remain in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer.

2. Does the Jonesboro Fire Department issue burn permits?

The department does not issue burn permits, and we do not give permission to burn.

3. Can I burn trash on my property? Can I burn my trash in a burn barrel?

No, the Arkansas State Law prohibits the burning of trash, garbage, (i.e. burning wire) or rubbish of any kind. (It specifically states that burn barrels cannot be used to burn trash. It also prohibits the burning of tires for any reason).

(Code 2006, § 7.37.04; Ord. No. 3479, § 4)

4. I need to clear some land for new construction and / or site improvement. Is it permissible to burn the trees and brush on the property being cleared?

Yes, provided the following requirements are met:

 The site must be at least one acre in size.

 The pile to be burned must be at least 100 feet from all property lines.

 Surface vegetation (i.e. burnable grass and brush) must be cleared from the parameter of the pile for at least 100 feet.

 The fire shall be attended until no flame nor smoke is visible.

 Burning can only occur during daylight hours (no earlier than one hour after sunrise…no later than one hour before sunset).

 You must notify the fire department at least 24 hours before you intend to burn your trees and / or brush. This gives the fire department time to come to your location, if needed, to minimize the possibility of problems that could arise as the result of your burning.

(Code 2006, § 7.37.02; Ord. No. 3479, § 2)

5. Can I burn leaves in my yard?

Yes, but the fire department discourages the burning of leaves due to safety concerns and nuisance issues. Instead, residents are encouraged to bag their yard waste and place them near the curbside in front of their home for pickup. Of course, residents may also haul such waste to the landfill themselves if they choose to do so.

If you do decide to burn, you must follow these requirements:

 Only one pile may be burned at a time.

 The pile can be no larger than 3 feet in diameter and no taller than 2 feet high.

 The pile must be at least 25 feet away from all buildings and property lines.

 You must have a way to extinguish the fire (i.e. a garden hose with the water turned on and ready to flow).

 You must stay with the fire as it burns.

 You can only burn during daylight hours (no earlier than one hour after sunrise…no later than one hour before sunset).

 Only leaves, small twigs, grass clippings, hedge trimmings and the like may be burned…absolutely no trash or building construction material may be burned.

(Code 2006, § 7.37.01; Ord. No. 3479, § 1)

You do not need to notify the fire department before burning leaves. Just make sure these requirements are followed and most importantly – Be Safe!!!

6. What happens if the fire department is called out to my open burning?

In Instances of permissible open burning, you must always burn responsibly. If the fire department determines that your fire is an unacceptable nuisance or safety hazard, you may be required to extinguish the fire or the fire department will extinguish it for you. If, on the other hand, the fire department was called due to concerns from the public and your fire is within the guidelines of open burning policies, you may be allowed to continue to burn.

For additional information about the City of Jonesboro’s open burning policies, or to ask other fire department related questions, please feel free to contact us.

7. I have farm land inside the city limits of Jonesboro. Is it permissible to do agricultural burning?

Yes, so long as the following requirements are met:

 You must till, disk, or plow around the field you will burning. This strip must be at least 50 feet wide to help prevent your fire from spreading to an adjacent field or area.

 You must stay with your field fire at all times while it burns.

 Burning can only occur during daylight hours (no earlier than one hour after sunrise…no later than one hour before sunset).

(Code 2006, § 7.37.03; Ord. No. 3479, § 3)

You do not need to notify the fire department before burning your field.

8. My group would like to have a bon fire at an outdoor gathering. Is that ok?

Yes, fires for ceremonial or recreational purposes are permissible. Please be sure to notify the Jonesboro Fire Department at least 24 hours before you plan to have your bon fire. This will give us an opportunity to discuss safety concerns and also minimize the possibility of problems that could arise as the result of your ceremonial / recreational burning.

9. Does Jonesboro’s burn ordinance affect outdoor cooking?

Not at all. Outdoor cooking in grills, cooking pits, or outdoor fire places are completely permissible. However, you should never leave your cooking unattended.

10. I have an old building I plan to Demolish. Can I burn the rubbish materials?

No, Arkansas State Law prohibits the

burning of such material. Likewise, if you

plan to remodel a house or building, the scraps created by the construction and the rubbish materials removed from the structure cannot be burned.

Sec. 30-93. - Prohibited Acts

(Code 2006, § 7.37.04; Ord. No. 3479, § 4)

11. I am interested in becoming a firefighter... how, when, where can I apply?

Our department operates under rules of the Jonesboro Civil Service Commission. Entrance exams are given on an annual basis, usually in June or July of each year. The test is comprised of a written exam and a physical agility test. After the testing succession a list of qualified candidates is created in the order of the final scores. If a position becomes available over the course of the next 12 months a candidate is selected from the list.

State law requires that candidates must be between the ages of 18 and 34 years old to become a newly employed firefighter in Arkansas. For more information about the employment process contact the Human Resources Department at 870-933-4640.