In Baldwin City, which celebrates its beautiful trees with a festival each October, city officials are inching closer to new restrictions on leaf burning.

On Oct. 15, city council members are expected to approve a new law that would limit the number of leaf fires in Baldwin to 25 a day. Residents would be required to obtain a permit from City Hall before burning leaves.

Dennis Waymire, a Baldwin City resident since 1994, told council members a year ago that he was concerned about burning leaves releasing toxins into the air. A city safety committee studied the issue and came up with the 25-fire limit.

“I think this is an issue that has evolved,” said Council Member Tony Brown, who leads the safety committee. “As Dennis said, this is a health hazard. I think this first regulates the number of fires. Next year when Dennis comes back, we could be ready to take the next step.”

Although Waymire wasn’t completely satisfied with the outcome – he advocated a complete ban or burning on just one day a week – he was pleased the council took action.

“I appreciate what’s been done,” Waymire said.

Council members still have not finalized penalties for burning without a permit, but have discussed fines up to $500, which would be determined by a municipal court judge.

This week, the council gave preliminary approval to the new law. Final action is set for Oct. 15. That day, incidentally, is about a week before the Oct. 20-21 Maple Leaf Festival, a 50-year tradition in Baldwin City.