ST. JOSEPH COUNTY — Police are reporting a substantial increase in the number of complaints they are getting about burning.

In the last two weeks, police say there have been 16 complaints.

"We would ask the community to be respectful towards their neighbors and not allow the burning of leaves to become a nuisance," said St. Joe County Public Information Officer Sgt. William Redman.

According to the county commissioner’s office, leaf burning can only be performed in a fireproof container with proper spark arrester. All fires must be supervised by an adult with a water source nearby. Also, open fires are not allowed and no burns should ever be placed on a public street or roadway. Any open burning must be done with a permit from the county.

Clay Township Fire Marshall Dave Cherrone explains it like this — "The only thing that's allowed to be burned without a permit are leaves, and leaves still must be in a container with a cover over it or a screen over it to keep the hot ashes from blowing around."

Cherrone says open burning requires a permit.

"Any open burning that is done must be done with a permit that actually is issued through the St. Joe County Health Department."

Already this week, there have been several small brush fires and Cherrone says it only takes a little bit of wind to cause a big problem.

"Our biggest issue that we know happens each year is that people start burning something small and it ends up spreading to a neighbor. Either to just the property or actually to a building," said Cherrone.

If you have questions or concerns about what's allowed, Cherrone says contact your local fire department. To contact the health department about an open burn permit call (574) 235-9721.