It is that time of year again and we will soon see and feel the impact of another burn season. As spring approaches in the Grand Valley, you should know that open burning is not the only option for cleaning irrigation ditches and getting rid of garden waste, small tree trimmings and weeds.

Frequently the Department responds to out-of-control fires that create unnecessary property loss and resource use. We are also seeing an increase in the number of emergency medical responses due to smoke from open burning. In an effort to promote the health of our residents and maintain the quality of our environment, the Grand Junction Fire Department strongly encourages residents to use alternatives to open burning. Those alternatives include composting, free day at the landfill, or spring clean-up with the City of Grand Junction.

For more information: http://www.gjcity.org/GJFDBurnPermitBrochures.aspx

You are REQUIRED to obtain a burn permit before burning. Grand Junction, Fruita and Clifton Fire Departments issue permits for their response areas. The Mesa County Health Department issues permits for all other areas in Mesa County. Burning is allowable only for dry weeds, garden waste, irrigation ditches, and tree or shrub trimmings less than 1” in diameter.

For daily weather conditions, contact the National Weather Service at:  243-0914 or You can also visit their website at:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/ or

http://www.crh.noaa.gov/hazards/?wfo=gjt

BURN SEASON DATES
Spring: March 1-May 31
Fall: September 1 – October 31
For more information go to: http://www.gjcity.org/GJFDBurnPermits.aspx

Permits cost $15.00 and are good for both the spring and fall seasons. You can get an application on line or stop by the Fire Administration office at 333 West Ave., Bldg. E to purchase a permit. Office hours are 8-5 Monday through Friday.