Murrysville officials don't want the municipality to go up in smoke, so code enforcement officers will be on the lookout for illegal burning after a series of complaints on open burning in the municipality.

Murrysville does not allow residents to burn leaves because it has a leaf-recycling program. Burning of yard waste is permitted only Tuesday through Saturday with a $5 permit. Violators face a fine of $300.

Councilman Theo van de Venne said burning should be at a minimum because the municipality offers a broad recycling program.

Although Van de Venne often burns yard waste on his 50 acres, he said he would be willing to give that up to make residents healthier and happier.

"I'm willing to accept the nuisance," he said.

Resident George Matcuk said he worries about the impact open burning could have on his health. He said he wanted to be sure he could enjoy the fresh air around his home without worrying about smoke.

"I can't do it if Joe Blow is down the street burning something," Matcuk said.

Matcuk cited statistics from the American Lung Association that detailed the health dangers associated with exposure to smoke.

Allowing people to burn without consequence would hurt residents who suffer from health problems, Van de Venne said. A loose policy on burning essentially would be punishing people with disabilities, he said.

"Don't be handicapped, that's basically what we're saying with burning," Van de Venne said.

Matcuk noted that the older population in Murrysville could be at risk even more.

Mayor Joyce Somers said the biggest problem was burning in neighborhoods where residents don't have much land.

"People are illegally burning in highly populated areas," Somers said.

Councilman Dennis Pavlik said the problem could be solved by paying closer attention to residents who violate the rules.

"I think it's a lack of enforcement," Pavlik said.

Chief administrator John Barrett said that, though police can be sent to address burning complaints, they don't act as code enforcement officers. He said they can act as witnesses to the violation, if needed.