Burning Permits

While there are no fees for obtaining a burn permit, you can be fined up to $500 for burning without an authorized permit. Permits for outdoor burning are required in the City of Choctaw. Permits are free. Please, always use caution when planning to burn.

OPEN BURNING & PERMITS

ITEMS ALLOWED

The City of Choctaw only allows open burning of:

  • Brush

  • Leaves

  • Shrubs

  • Tree Limbs

  • Yard Debris

ITEMS NOT ALLOWED

No burning of materials that can cause an environmental issue will be allowed. For example, but not limited to:

  • Chemicals

  • Furniture

  • Lumber

  • Oil Products

  • Tires

  • Trash

OBTAINING A BURN PERMIT

Burn Permit can be obtained by calling the Fire Department at 405-390-8300, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, including weekends. The main office is closed on weekends, however, burn permits can still be obtained on Saturday and Sunday. Permission is granted on a daily basis, in accordance with the current weather and safety conditions.

WEATHER

The weather conditions play a big role in determining a day to be safe for burning.

COMMERCIAL BURN PERMITS

All commercial burn permits for clearing property for development must follow guidelines set forth by DEQ. An incinerator fan and curtain must be utilized.

Burning Guidelines

Our guidelines are in place for your protection and the safety of other citizens, they include:

  • The wind must be below 12 miles per hour. We have a weather station at two of our Fire Stations to monitor the wind and humidity.

  • Permits are issued on a daily basis.

  • You must have a way to control your fire such as a water hose or bulldozer.

  • Your fire must be completely out by sundown. Make sure and water down the area thoroughly when you are finished.

  • The fire has to be attended at all times. Do not leave your fire for any reason.

  • No burning shall be conducted which creates a traffic hazard.

  • Permits are only issued for leaves, twigs, brush, grass, etc. 

  • Permits will not be issued for paper, cardboard, household trash, treated lumber or other structures

  • Don’t burn close to structures.

  • Don’t make a burn pile larger than you can control.

  • Call 911 if you get into trouble while burning.