Outdoor burning rules in Des Moines, IA — also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance — set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Open burning of refuse, rubbish, garbage, and landscape waste is prohibited in Des Moines under Polk County Air Quality regulations. Only recreational fires for cooking and warmth are permitted with specific conditions.
Polk County Air Quality Division prohibits open burning of refuse, rubbish, garbage, landscape waste, or other combustible material within Des Moines city limits. This ban has been in effect since 1983. Recreational and cooking fires are allowed under specific conditions: the fire must be in a fire pit or ring, contained and attended at all times, using only clean dry firewood (no treated lumber, trash, or yard waste), and producing no excessive smoke that impacts neighbors. Leaf burning is not permitted in Des Moines. Agricultural burning and prescribed burns may have separate exceptions through the Iowa DNR. Violations are enforced by the Des Moines Fire Department and Polk County Air Quality.
Violations subject to fines from Polk County Air Quality. Fire Department may extinguish illegal burns. Fines range from $100 to $750.
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