Why are the fields burned?

Burning removes the leaves before harvest, so the cane can be cut and sent to the refinery the same week. Growers need a daily authorization, and burns stop when the wind blows toward a town.

Black flakes are falling on my yard. Is that normal?

During the season, yes: locals call it “Leonard snow.” It is ash from the leaves. If you see flames near homes, call 911.

I grow cane. How do I get a burn permit?

Apply online at least two business days ahead, with the field, the acres and the planned day. The county fire office approves it if the forecast allows, and the permit lands in your wallet in My Leonida. Settle the fee at the Agricultural Extension Office.

Home & taxes

Agricultural burn notices

The daily schedule of sugar cane field burns from October to May, the roads that may see smoke and how to get text alerts.

DailyRun by Leonard County

Apply for a burn permit See the steps Get help

CostFree

Processing timeUpdated every morning by 7 a.m.

Ways to do itIn personBy phoneOnline

01About this service

From October to May, sugar cane fields around the Allied Crystal refinery are burned before harvest, a few blocks of fields at a time. The county publishes a daily burn schedule: which fields, at what time, and which roads may see smoke.

Residents who are sensitive to smoke can sign up for text alerts at a county office or by phone. Growers apply online for the permit each burn needs. Questions about air quality and health go to the State Department of Health.

Who it’s for

Residents of the farm towns and roads near the cane fields
Drivers on county farm roads at dusk, including refinery shift workers
People with asthma or heart and lung conditions, and those who care for them
Growers and landowners who burn cane, brush or cleared land

02How it works

4 steps, start to finish.

Step 1: Check today’s burn map
The schedule is posted at the Agricultural Extension Office and the courthouse every morning, and read out on the burn notice phone line.
Step 2: Know the smoke rules for driving
In smoke, slow down, switch on your low beams and never stop in the lane. If you cannot see the edge of the road, pull well off it and wait.
Step 3: Protect sensitive people
Keep windows closed and air conditioning on recirculate during burn hours, and keep medication within reach. Ash on the car is normal; ash in the house is not.
Step 4: Report smoke on a road
If smoke makes a road dangerous, call the Sheriff’s non-emergency line. If there is a crash or a fire out of control, call 911.

03What to prepare

Have these ready.

A mobile number, to sign up for text alerts
Your home address or the roads you drive, to receive the right notices

In person
The Agricultural Extension Office and the courthouse post the daily map and sign people up for alerts.
By phone
The burn notice line reads the day’s schedule from 7 a.m. and takes alert sign-ups.
Online
Growers apply for burn permits online and follow the review in My Leonida.

Your request goes straight to the team in charge. Keep your reference number: it is your proof of filing.

04Questions

Frequently asked questions

05Run by

Who runs this service

Questions about your case? Leonard County can help.

leonardcounty.leonida.govLeonard CountyFarm roads, refinery shifts and county services that start early.Visit the site

County information line(863) 555-0200Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.Emailleonardcounty@state-of-leonida.com

Leonard County Courthouse2 Main StreetCane Ridge, LD 33445

County offices open Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

06Related services

Agricultural burn notices

About this service

Who it’s for

4 steps, start to finish.

Step 1: Check today’s burn map

Step 2: Know the smoke rules for driving

Step 3: Protect sensitive people

Step 4: Report smoke on a road