Dates and hours for the legal burning of leaves within the city limits have been announced by the city of Albert Lea.

According to Section 30-2 of the City Code, the burning of leaves on private property is permitted under the following conditions:

First, the burning of leaves will only be permitted on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays during the last full week of October and the first two weeks in November.

Thus the effective dates for leaf burning in 2002 are: Oct. 29, Oct. 31, Nov. 2, Nov. 5, Nov. 7, Nov. , Nov. 12, Nov. 14, and Nov. 16.

A responsible person shall be in constant attendance until the fire is completely extinguished.

Burning will only be allowed between the hours of 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. All fires are to be extinguished by 7 p.m. Fires shall not be less than 25 feet from any structure, wood fence, hedge or bush and no less than five feet from any property line.

The burning of leaves is prohibited on city streets, boulevards, lake shores or any public property by private citizens. Any burning of rubbish, trash or other material is prohibited.

Residents should be both cautious and courteous when burning leaves. Consideration should be made for a neighbor with a known allergy condition or for clothing being dried on outside lines

Alternatives to the burning of leaves include composting or a trip to the Albert Lea Landfill, just off County road 20 northwest of the city.

Hours at the landfill are Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays are 3 to 7 p.m. until Oct. 24, and noon to 5:30 p.m. effective Oct. 29.