August 12, 2020
Open Burning Allowed on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in Unincorporated Lake County through October 14th
The Lake County Board recently voted to enact a modified emergency ordinance which temporarily allows open burning in unincorporated Lake County from sunrise to sunset on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The ordinance is effective August 11 through October 14, 2020.
An emergency ordinance had previously been in effect that temporarily banned open burning in the unincorporated areas at all times and on all days of the week due to COVID-19. In recognition of the upcoming landscape maintenance season as leaves begin to fall, Lake County is temporarily permitting open burning on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from sunrise to sunset.
Recreational fires that are no larger than 3’ x 3’ x 3’ used for warming, cooking, and other recreational purposes are still permitted on all days of the week. Burning garbage, refuse, or construction materials remains prohibited.
Lake County reminds residents that there are possible alternatives to burning yard waste that can benefit areas surrounding homes:
- Grass clippings and leaves can be mulched, improving the soil and helping suppress weeds the following season.
- Consider composting leaves and other yard materials as they are building blocks for good compost.
- Residents living in Avon, Ela, Fremont, Lake Villa, Shields, or Warren townships are encouraged to reach out about their yard waste pick-up programs. A list of township contact information can be found on Lake County's website. Those living in other townships can contact their waste hauler to see if they offer a yard waste pick-up service in their area.
Not adhering to the emergency ordinance can result in a violation. To report an open burning violation occurring in the unincorporated area, please call the Lake County Open Burning Hotline at 847-377-2999. Please have the address, specific location or Property Index Number (PIN), if available, of the property where the violation is occurring so that Lake County may follow up on the complaint in a time-efficient manner.
Please note, some unincorporated areas are also subject to their local fire protection district's open burning restrictions. Residents should contact their fire district for more details on applicable regulations.
For more information on the open burning modifications in unincorporated Lake County, please visit lakecountyil.gov/openburning.
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