The Picayune Fire Department is giving notice that burning of large piles of debris from clearing land is prohibited within the city limits of Picayune. The debris will have to be hauled from the site.

The 2003 International Fire Code, Section 307 regulates open burning and recreational fires. Fires in approved containers must be at least 15 feet from a structure. Piles to be burned must be 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height and at least 25 feet from a structure.

Only piles of leaves, straw and small sticks may be burned. These piles must constantly attended until the fire is extinguished. A garden hose connected to a water supply or a 4A-rated or larger fire extinguisher must available. Open burning offensive or objectionable because of smoke or odor emissions or when weather conditions or local circumstances make the fires hazardous are prohibited.

Those wishing to burn inside the city limits are required to first obtain a burn permit from the Picayune Fire Department. This permit is good only on the day issued. Burning is allowed only between dawn and dusk. Permits may be obtained at Picayune Fire Stations 1, 2 or 3.