Cape Girardeau Fire Department issues advisory on leaf-burning

The Cape Girardeau Fire Department has issued its annual advisory on rules for burning leaves. Burning must take place between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The department said burning building materials, tires, rubber, materials containing asbestos, hazardous materials, Styrofoam, plastics, petroleum-based products, treated wood or other refuse is prohibited. Other rules include a ban on burning leaves on excessively windy or dry days, fires under power, telephone or cable television lines and fires within 50 feet of a structure. Fires must be attended at all times, and a water hose and rake must be near the fire. If the fire department receives a complaint about heavy smoke or odor, an order may be issued to extinguish the fire.�