La Grange, MO Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)

Section 215.196, adopted by Ordinance No. 423 on January 13, 2003 and carried forward from R.O. 2010 Section 240.131, opens with a flat prohibition: no person may conduct, cause or permit in any way fires or open burning within the City limits of LaGrange, Missouri, subject to the exceptions set forth in this Section. The section defines fire and open burning as the igniting and combustion of any materials in an open and unenclosed area, and treats fires in enclosed chambers used exclusively for disposal as themselves prohibited open burning under Subsection D(7).

Six narrow exemptions appear in Subsection C, covering household yard waste from four dwellings or fewer, recreational and ceremonial fires and outdoor food preparation in permitted areas, bona fide firefighter training, City-managed riverfront maintenance burns, campfires on City-owned or leased permitted properties, and burning under an accepted state or federal EPA or DNR permit approved by the Fire Chief. Even an exempt fire must meet Subsection D's restrictions: it cannot impair driver visibility with smoke, cannot occur on any City street, alley or sidewalk, cannot use tires or waste oil as fuel, and must be attended at all times by someone at least sixteen years old.

The LaGrange Police Department and the Chief Fire Officials jointly enforce Section 215.196 under Subsection E, and a list of the City's permitted burning areas is kept on file at City Hall.