Clearing brush by burning is allowed in unincorporated Madison County under ADEM Admin. Code r. 335-3-3-.01, but the pile must sit 500 feet from any neighboring dwelling, and the Alabama Forestry Commission requires a permit to burn near woodland.
Land-clearing burns in unincorporated Madison County are governed by state air rules, not a county burn ordinance. ADEM Admin. Code r. 335-3-3-.01 lets you burn vegetation and untreated wood generated by clearing or maintaining land, provided the burn happens on the property where the fuel originated and at least 500 feet from the nearest occupied dwelling other than your own. Only vegetation and untreated wood may burn, never treated lumber, trash, tires, or plastics. Because North Alabama's Tennessee Valley and Cumberland Plateau foothills around Gurley, Hazel Green, and Monte Sano carry heavy hardwood and pine, the Alabama Forestry Commission requires a burn permit before igniting within 25 feet of woodland or burning more than a quarter acre.
Burning closer than 500 feet to a neighbor's home, burning prohibited materials, or clearing without a required Forestry Commission permit is a violation. ADEM assesses civil penalties, and an escaped fire makes the person liable for suppression costs and damage.
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