Indian Creek

The controversial topic of leaf and landscape waste burning comes up at almost every Homeowners Association meeting.  Some residents strongly oppose burning and others just as strongly want to be able to burn.  There is no ruling to ban leaf and landscape waste burning.  However, it is hoped that residents will follow these guidelines if they choose to burn.  These guidelines are intended to help Indian Creek neighbors maintain our healthy, friendly, neighborly atmosphere for everyone.

• Be aware that many people find the smoke and smell of leaf burning to be noxious and intolerable.  They can not enjoy being in their own yard or having their windows open when burning is going on.
   

• Be aware that smoke is a serious health hazard for those with asthma, emphysema, heart and other cardio/vascular conditions.  We don't know the health conditions of our neighbors.
   

• If you do decide to burn:

  • Never leave a fire untended.  What may seem like a safe fire can quickly get out of control in dry or windy conditions. 

  • Only burn when wind conditions will not carry smoke, embers or ash onto a neighbor's property.  

  • Only burn dry material.  Trying to burn wet leaves and grass smells especially bad and creates large amounts of smoke.

  • Keep the fire small and hot and when you're done put it out completely.  Letting a fire smolder for hours is not acceptable.
     

• Consider mulching and/or composting.  Burning releases carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide directly into the atmosphere.  Mulching and/or composting will sequester those greenhouse gases in the soil and in other plants.
   

• From the Illinois EPA website:
   

  • Smoke from burning leaves, grass, brush, and most plants contains high concentrations of pollutants such as carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and photochemically reactive chemicals, some of which are known carcinogens and some that contribute to smog formation.
     

  • Carbon monoxide can bind with hemoglobin in the blood to reduce oxygen flow. Particulate matter can become embedded in lung tissue. The burning of leaves releases the photochemically reactive chemical, benzo(a)pyrene, known to cause cancer in animals and which has been linked as the major factor in lung cancer caused by smoking.

Contact any board member if you have questions or concerns about these guidelines.

This page was last updated Wednesday February 15, 2012