St. Louis, MO Fire Regulations: Outdoor Burning (2026)
Outdoor burning rules in St. Louis, MO, also called the burn ban, open burning, or fire restriction ordinance, set when you can burn yard waste, debris, or run a recreational fire.
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 11.34.130
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Health, Air Pollution Control
- Minimum fine
- $500, or up to 90 days jail
- Recreational fire exemption
- Untreated wood, charcoal, propane, natural gas only
- Land-management burns
- Require advance notice to Health and Fire Chief
Summary
St. Louis bans open burning of refuse, trade waste, leaves, grass and other vegetation citywide, but exempts small recreational fires and contained fires using untreated wood, charcoal, propane or natural gas for warmth.
A. No person shall cause, suffer, allow or permit the open burning of refuse. ... D. No person shall cause or permit the open burning of leaves, trees or the byproducts therefrom, grass, or other vegetation. ... F.6. Recreational fires and fires in proper containers for occupational warmth using only untreated wood, charcoal, propane or natural gas as fuel.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 11).
Full Breakdown
The Department of Health's Air Pollution Control Program enforces St. Louis Revised Code § 11.34.130, which bars burning refuse, trade waste, salvage material, leaves, trees, grass and other vegetation anywhere in the city. Property owners are presumed responsible for burning on their land. Exemptions cover fire-department training burns, insect-control equipment, food preparation, permitted public fireworks, and recreational or occupational-warmth fires fed only by untreated wood, charcoal, propane or natural gas. Controlled land-management burns require advance notice to the Commissioner of Health, the Fire Chief and nearby neighbors. Violators face a Notice of Violation, administrative citation fines, and on conviction a fine of at least $500 or up to 90 days in jail, with each day a separate offense.
Violations & Fines
Violating the burn ban brings a Notice of Violation, an administrative citation fine, and on conviction a fine starting at $500 or up to 90 days' imprisonment; each day counts separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a bonfire or fire pit in my backyard in St. Louis?
What happens if I get caught burning leaves or trash?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Louis
How St. Louis compares: Cities with the Strictest Outdoor Burning Rules·Compare St. Louis to another location·View the Missouri fire regulations overview
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