Mesa County Public Health implements new rules for 2019.

Spring Open Burn Season starts on March 1 and continues through May 31st. If you're considering any burning within Mesa Country you'll need to first apply for a permit. You can do so by clicking HERE or do so in person at Mesa County Public Health, 510 29 ½ Road in Grand Junction. Once you've obtained your permit, don't strike a match until you understand the rules. The updated rules for 2019 are as follows...

  • Properties must be at least one acre in size to open burn.
  • Properties smaller than one acre may burn to maintain irrigation ditch/lateral only.
  • Annual permits – valid for both Spring and Fall Open Burn Seasons – are $25.
  • Daily limits for open burning are 10 acres per day for non-pile burning and less than 250 cubic feet per day for pile burning.
  • Piles should be at least 300 feet apart, otherwise, consider one pile for burning.
  • Piles should be 50 feet from structures, including the combustible fence.
  • Expectations for violation investigation and enforcement to protect the health and safety of Mesa County residents.

Mesa County and the City of Grand Junction aligned and simplified the rules to make things less confusing. “We actually aligned our open burn regulations with the City of Grand Junction’s just to get rid of some confusion. There were a lot of questions about those regulations verses the county regulations, and so now it’s the same across the board for everyone,” says Mesa County Public Health spokesperson, Katie Nelson.

The new rules don't apply to Agricultural open burning. They will remain the same and burning is allowed year-round at no cost.

Credit: KKCO11News

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