Council discusses tightened burn-permit procedure after recent fires; eight-week burn ban cited

Anniston City Council members reviewed changes to the city's open-burning and work-permit procedures after a recent period that included multiple large fires and an approximately eight-week burn ban.

City staff summarized that during the last high-fire period the city implemented a roughly eight-week burn ban and responded to several large structure fires in the city and county. Staff said the existing permit system was "not strict enough" and that the new permit language lays out requirements more clearly, aligns with agency and maintenance guidelines, and clarifies responsibilities to reduce unattended outside burning that contributed to property loss.

Staff reported examples including two structures lost in the city and additional county losses, and some vehicle fires resulting from unattended outside burning without permits. Council members and staff discussed enforcement approaches; one staff member said the revised procedure will be better for the city once implemented and controlled. The discussion focused on improving compliance through clearer permit language and enforcement steps rather than on immediate new penalties.

No vote was taken during the discussion. Council members asked staff to return with the final permit language and an implementation plan for outreach and enforcement.