McHenry County Open Burning Time Extended

The recent storms, high winds, and extensive fallen brush persuaded McHenry County Chairman Ken Koehler to extend open burning, for those who qualify, from June 21 to July 5. All other burn restrictions remain in effect as found in the revised open burn ordinance that took effect April 1st, 2008.

The revised ordinance restrictions for open burning include:

• Only landscape waste may be burned and only on the property in which it was generated
• Burning may take place only between dawn and dusk
• Burning may take place only when the winds are less than 10 mph
• Burning must be supervised by an individual at least 18 years of age
• A fire extinguisher, garden hose or water source must be available at the burning site.

These restrictions are in place when burning more than 100 feet from a habitable structure and 50 feet from a non-habitable structure. No open burning of landscape waste is allowed when the distance is less than stated above. Additionally, please check with your municipality as they may have more restrictive rules for open burning.

To view the Open Burning Ordinance for landscape waste, please visit
Further information may be obtained by calling the McHenry County Department of Health at 815/334-4585.