Small backyard cooking or ceremonial fires under eight cubic feet are allowed in Lincoln, but they may not create smoke that drifts onto a neighbor's property as a nuisance, and must be constantly attended until completely extinguished.
Backyard recreational fires fall under Lincoln Municipal Code 8.06.140's exception for fires under eight cubic feet used for cooking or ceremonial purposes. The same section prohibits any burning whose smoke travels onto a neighboring property, park, or recreational area and becomes a public nuisance to occupants there. Only clean, dry wood may be burned; treated wood, garbage, and yard waste are banned. Anyone conducting open burning in the city's zoning jurisdiction must be present at the immediate site at all times and may not leave until there are no smoldering embers. The Fire Chief may prohibit all open burning when weather or conditions make fires hazardous.
A backyard fire that produces nuisance smoke or is left unattended violates LMC 8.06.140; Fire & Rescue and the Health Department may order it extinguished and cite the responsible property occupant.
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