Jonesboro, AR Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Sec. § 8-6-1703(d), open burning of residential yard waste is "expressly discouraged" within the city, and when it does occur it must meet four conditions: the pile cannot exceed three feet in diameter and two feet in height, with only one pile burning at a time per resident; burning must stay at least 25 feet from the nearest structure and 25 feet from the nearest property line; the fire must be attended at all times with a charged hose or sufficient water on hand; and burning cannot start before one hour after sunrise or continue past one hour before sunset.

Construction and site-improvement burning under Sec. 30-91 requires a parcel of at least one acre, a 100-foot setback from all property lines with vegetation cleared 100 feet around the burn, constant attendance, and 24 hours' advance notice to the fire department with authorization from the fire marshal, assistant chief, or chief. Agricultural burning under Sec. 30-92 requires a tilled or plowed firebreak at least 50 feet wide around the parcel, constant attendance, and the same sunrise-to-sunset daylight window. Sec. 30-93 flatly prohibits burning trash, garbage, or rubbish for incineration (burn barrels included), construction waste, demolition debris, and vegetation clippings generated by commercial lawn-care businesses.

Sec. 30-95 lets the fire department shut down any otherwise-permitted burn without recourse if smoke becomes a nuisance or safety hazard to neighbors. Violations under Sec. §§ 5-38-302, 5-38-303, 5-38-310, and 8-6-1703, which can carry fines and imprisonment.