AR HB1915

Allows county governments to conduct open burning of vegetative storm debris in declared disaster areas or areas with accumulated substantial vegetative debris, subject to preauthorization by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality.

Limits open burning to no more than 4 sites per county at one time, unless the director determines additional sites are necessary, with burning to be completed within 120 days of disaster declaration (extendable up to 240 days total).

Restricts open burning to daylight hours Monday through Friday (excluding state and federal holidays) and prohibits it within 500 feet of residences (unless written permission granted) and 1,000 feet of schools.

Prohibits burning of nonvegetative debris including tires, lumber, construction debris, demolished structures, household wastes, and trade wastes.

Requires counties to provide at least 3 days written notice to the director before burning begins (unless waived) and mandates adequate firefighting personnel be available; allows director to require site relocation or stop burning if air quality standards are violated.