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Open Burning

The McHenry County Public Health Ordinance applies to all areas of McHenry County. If you live in a city or municipality with more stringent restrictions, the more restrictive rules apply.
McHenry County Open Burning Regulations
  • How can I purchase an address sign?
    1. Fill out the easy form on our website and submit payment. or 2. Download the PDF form and bring your payment to Station 1, located at 435 E. Judd Street.
  • What does my $20 pay for?
    The $20 fee covers the materials only (sign, sign lettering, and stake). Installation services are provided at no cost to you as a service from the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District.
  • Why will they measure my driveway?
    WFRD measures property owners’ driveways to indicate the length of supply hose needed to reach the buildings on your property in order to mount an effective fire attack. Our engines carry 1000 feet of supply hose on them. Green signs indicate to our firefighters a driveway is less than 1000 feet, meaning they could lay the supply line at the road. Red signs indicate a driveway greater than 1000 feet, but less than 2000 feet; a sign will be placed at the 1000 foot mark to your building(s). For properties with special circumstances, including driveways longer than 2000 feet, a blue sign is placed at the road and the condition is placed on record in each engine so the crew can act accordingly.
  • If I live in town should I still purchase a sign?
    YES, it is still valuable to have a green sign if you live in town, as the crew can see the address sign from further up the street with ease. Every second counts in an emergency.
Does your burn meet your local ordinance listed above? Please let us know if/when you plan on burning. The form below is NOT a burn permit, simply for notification purposes for the fire district. For burns on the same day, call us after completing the form.
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