The current codes that are enforced by this department are the International Building and Fire Codes for 2006, National Fire Protection Codes 2003.

BURN PERMITS:

Guidelines for Open Burning
This open burning guideline involves the Albertville Fire Department primary response area, which includes the city limits and its primary area outside the city limits.

1. No person shall kindle or maintain any bonfire or rubbish fire or authorize any such fire to be kindled or maintained without a permit from the fire department.
2. The distance from any structure that a fire can be will depend on the size and material being burned. The minimum distance of smallest fire will be not less than 50 feet from any structure, telephone wires, cable wires, and electrical wires. etc.
   
   • Exception: Fire being burned in an approved waste burner where distance will not be less than 15 feet to any structure.
     
   • Exception: The minimum required distance from a structure, telephone wires, cable wires and electrical wires shall be 25 feet where the pile size is 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height.
     
3. Open burning should be conducted during clear weather, with no strong winds.
   
4. Burning may commence or fuel added to a fire between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. existing fires may burn beyond 3 p.m.
   
   • Exception: Fires for recreational or ceremonial purposes.
     
5. Only vegetation and/or natural wood may be burned. Other materials should be sent to a permitted landfill.
   
6. The person requesting the permit will be the person responsible to keep the fire contained and he/she must have adequate tools, equipment and manpower to stay with and control the fire until the fire is out.
   
7. The size of the pile to be burned will not be larger that 20 feet long, 20 feet wide and 12 feet high.
   
   • Exception: Fires set for recognized agricultural and wildlife management practices.
     
8. Open fires specifically approved by the Alabama State Forestry Commission or that of the fire department.
   
9. The fire official may prohibit any outdoor fires when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous.
   
10. A burning permit once issued may be revoked if the person requesting the permit fails to comply with proper burning procedures, if weather conditions develop which may result in erratic fire behavior, or if the fire becomes a public nuisance, which will be determined by the fire official. The fire will be extinguished by the person burning or by the fire department.
    
11. If subsequent to issuance of a lawfully authorized fire escapes to the lands of another and an investigation reveals that the permit holder did not meet all the criteria as set forth above, the fire will be treated as if no legal authorization had been obtained.
    
12. The person requesting the permit will be held responsible for any damages that are caused by the fire on or off his/her property. The fire department will not hold any responsibility for the open burning.