Lincoln allows backyard recreational fires up to 8 cubic feet using only clean sawn wood. A responsible adult must attend the fire at all times and smoke must not create a nuisance on neighbors per LMC 8.06.
Lincoln Municipal Code 8.06.140 permits backyard recreational fires for cooking or ceremonial purposes provided they meet specific requirements. The fire must be 8 cubic feet or less (approximately 3 feet in diameter). Only clean, untreated sawn wood may be burned. Prohibited materials include painted wood, stained wood, pressure-treated lumber, particle board, plywood, cardboard, plastics, rubber, and petroleum products. The fire must be at least 25 feet from any structure, vehicle, or combustible material. A responsible adult must constantly attend the fire until fully extinguished, meaning no remaining hot coals or smoldering embers. Water, sand, or dirt for extinguishing must be immediately available. Smoke traveling onto neighboring property where it becomes a public nuisance is prohibited under LMC 8.06. Neighbors can report nuisance smoke to Lincoln Police non-emergency at (402) 441-6000.
Nuisance smoke complaints may result in Lincoln Police or Fire response and orders to extinguish. Burning prohibited materials violates LMC 8.06 and may result in fines.
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