Open Burning Restricted in Anderson

Backyard fires are one way families can enjoy being together during the quarantine. But here is a note of caution. You can burn in a chiminea or cook on a barbeque grill, but the township does not allow open burning. Current state and EPA regulations have prohibited that activity in most suburban settings.

Don’t confuse open burning with legal cooking fires, such as barbeques and chimineas, which are considered a recreational fire. While permitted under EPA and state regulations, residents are reminded to not to light these fires close to combustible materials such as siding and wood decking.

Why no open burning? Chief Rick Martin from the Anderson Township Fire and Rescue Department notes that open burning is not a healthy practice, as it releases toxic fumes. Allergy problems increase with the fumes, he noted.  Additionally, open burning affects air quality standards and is linked to health problems including respiratory illnesses, kidney and liver damage and more.

In Anderson, residents can dispose of yard waste by bagging or bundling it, and leaving items for their weekly curbside garbage pickup. Or take advantage of the free local yard waste recycling center at Bzak Landscaping, 3295 Turpin Lane. Hours are weekdays 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For details contact Assistant Chief Bob Herrlinger at 688-8070 or rherrlinger@AndersonTownship.org.