As Mesa County’s open burn season gets underway, officials are emphasizing precautions to ensure both safety and air quality. While burning is permitted under specific conditions, authorities stress the importance of following regulations to prevent unintended hazards.

Burn Permits and Community Safety

Mesa County Public Health issues burn permits to regulate and minimize risks associated with open burning. Sally Born, Environmental Health Manager for Mesa County Public Health, explained the balance between agricultural needs and community health.

“We issue burn permits to protect the health of our community and try to reduce air pollution while balancing our community’s agricultural way of life,” said Born.

The permits allow for controlled burning of dried vegetation, field preparation, and clearing of canals and ditches. However, permit holders must adhere to strict guidelines regarding when and how they can burn.

When Burning is Not Allowed

Burning is not permitted under certain conditions, even with a permit. Officials monitor weather patterns and air quality to determine if burning should be temporarily restricted.

• Red flag warnings: High winds and dry conditions increase the risk of wildfires.
• Air quality advisories: Poor air conditions can impact residents’ health.
• Fire weather watches: Increased fire risks may lead to temporary bans.

“If there’s a red flag warning, an air quality advisory in place, or a fire weather watch, we won’t allow them to burn. We’ll issue a no burn advisory,” Born explained.

Air Quality Considerations

Despite concerns about emissions from open burning, Mesa County maintains relatively good air quality. Authorities monitor air conditions to ensure that burning does not significantly impact public health.

“Controlled burns also have an aspect of air quality. And of course, we have concerns about air quality,” said Born. “Poor air quality can affect someone’s health, but generally speaking, we have really good air quality here in Mesa County.”

Officials emphasize that the permitting process helps maintain this balance while allowing agricultural activities to continue.

Alternatives to Open Burning

Residents are encouraged to consider alternatives to burning whenever possible. Composting and chipping are suggested as environmentally friendly methods of disposing of organic waste.

“We also encourage our community to consider alternatives to burning, such as composting or chipping, if possible,” Born noted.

Burn Season Timeline

Mesa County’s spring open burn season runs through the end of May, while the City of Grand Junction’s open burn season ends in April. Residents are urged to stay informed on conditions and follow all regulations to ensure a safe and responsible burn season.