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Iowa Open Burning Rules (2026)

Conditional: Open burning is prohibited except listed exemptions: landscape waste originating on the premises may be burned unless barred by local ordinance.

ConditionalVerified Jun 18, 2026

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Open burning is prohibited except listed exemptions: landscape waste originating on the premises may be burned unless barred by local ordinance. Exemptions are unavailable in certain cities (e.g., Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs); Polk and Linn counties require permits.

Official source: iowadnr.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Open Burning Rules in states bordering Iowa

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

IllinoisConditional
Open burning is generally prohibited except landscape waste burned on the premises where produced. It is banned within any municipality (or within 1 mile of one) of 1,000+ population; garbage, tires and demolition debris may never be burned. Local ordinances may be stricter.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: epa.illinois.gov · Full Illinois rule →
MinnesotaConditional
A DNR burning permit is required to burn debris like dry leaves and brush. Permits are issued online/by phone and are only valid when conditions are safe; they are not issued in fire-prone areas during high-danger spring periods. Burn hours typically 6pm-8am.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dnr.state.mn.us · Full Minnesota rule →
MissouriConditional
No statewide permit, but state rule allows burning only of yard/vegetative waste and household refuse (4 units or fewer) that originates and is burned on the same property; trade/demolition waste, tires and trash are prohibited. Local governments may add stricter rules or burn bans.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dnr.mo.gov · Full Missouri rule →
NebraskaRestricted
State statute 81-520.01 imposes a statewide open-burning ban on bonfires, rubbish fires and land-clearing fires. Open burning requires a written permit from the local fire chief (or designee) on a State Fire Marshal form before any burning.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: sfm.nebraska.gov · Full Nebraska rule →
South DakotaConditional
Open burning of slash piles/yard debris in the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District needs a temporary permit from SD Wildland Fire, issued Nov 1–Mar 31 and valid only with continuous snow cover. Incorporated towns set their own rules; check with local officials elsewhere.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: wildlandfire.sd.gov · Full South Dakota rule →
WisconsinRestricted
In DNR fire-protection areas a (free) annual burning permit is required to burn legal materials whenever the ground is not fully snow-covered; permits are activated daily only if conditions allow. Daily burning hours and size limits vary; many materials may not be burned at all.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dnr.wisconsin.gov · Full Wisconsin rule →

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