No Open Burning

Open burning is prohibited throughout the city of Coralville. Do not burn trash, yard waste, recycling, or other similar materials.

Outdoor Fire Pits & Fireplaces

The only open burning allowed in Coralville are recreational fires using either:

• Purchased outdoor fire pits or fireplaces constructed of steel, brick, or masonry, and used following the manufacturer’s instructions. 
• A built-in-place outdoor fire pit or fireplace pre-approved by the Fire Chief or his designee, and constructed of steel, brick, or masonry,

Requirements

When using an outdoor fire pit or fireplace, follow these requirements at all times:

• Placement: Do not operate an outdoor fire pit/fireplace within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material. 
• Wood: Only burn dry fire wood or commercial logs.
• Lid: Outdoor fires must be completely contained by wire mesh, including a wire mesh cover or lid to prevent flying embers. The wire mesh must have openings no more than a ¼ inch, and the lid or mesh cover must be in place unless wood is being added to the fire. 
• Adult: An adult must be present at all times. Recreational fires must be constantly attended by at least one adult until the fire is extinguished. 
• Fire extinguisher: A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 4-A rating or other approved on-site fire-extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, or garden hose, shall be on site and available for immediate use. 
• Smell, smoke, and hazards: Open burning that is offensive or objectionable because of smoke or odor emissions when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous are prohibited. 

Consider Your Neighbors

Before using any outdoor fire pit or fireplace, be mindful of how your outdoor fire impacts neighbors, pets, and the environment:

• The smoke from an outdoor fire pit or fireplace can travel well beyond your property line and into your neighborhood. The smell may travel through open windows in your neighbors' homes.
• Using outdoor fireplaces or fire pits is prohibited when the weather or other conditions make fires hazardous, or objectionable because of smoke or odor. 

When it comes to open flame cooking devices, the following rules are requirements for apartments, condos, and town houses, and good practice for one and two-family dwellings:

• Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on wood decks or other combustible balconies.
• Do not grill within 10 feet of combustible construction, such as siding, deck railings, eaves, and overhanging branches.

Exceptions: 

• Where buildings, balconies and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system. 
• LP-gas cooking devices having an LP-gas container with a water capacity not greater than 2.5 pounds [nominal 1 pound LP-gas capacity]