Leaf Burning Tips

As the trees begin to display their fall colors, another leaf disposal season is on its way. If leaf burning is allowed in your community and you must burn, the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center recommends the following "Good Neighbor Leaf Burning Tips" to minimize the impact to neighbors and the environment.

• Be courteous and respectful to your neighbors, especially those with breathing problems. Let them know when you plan to burn.
• Do not burn on windy days, especially, when the wind is blowing towards your neighbors.
• Do not burn wet leaves. Smoke from such fires stays closer to the ground and lingers in people’s breathing zone.
• If you must burn, the best time of day to burn is from mid-morning to mid-afternoon. The smoke clears faster during this period.
• If you can, burn several small fires instead of one large fire. Leaves will burn faster and release smoke for a shorter time.
• Always attend, manage and control your fire. Always have a hose or water source nearby.
• Do not burn in ditches, drainage ways or within 25 feet of a body of water. The ashes provide fertilizer for algae and nuisance aquatic plants in lakes and streams.
• Open burning of anything other than yard waste, such as garbage, is not permitted.
• Contact your local fire department or village for rules, regulations and/or a permit.