A burning issue faces Ottumwa City Council members today.

City Administrator Joe Helfenberger will present a proposed ordinance to prohibit open burning in the city.

It’s about time.

For months, the Courier has urged city leaders to stop allowing open burning in the city.

Other area cities have such a law.

It’s high time Ottumwa has one, too.

At today’s special meeting — 5 p.m. in City Hall — the council will discuss the proposed ordinance which basically says that no one will be allowed to do any open burning.

If you break this law, there will be fines: A written warning for first offense; $25, second offense; $50, third; $75, fourth; and $100 for fifth and subsequent offenses.

The fines are part of a resolution establishing fees for Ottumwa Fire Department services, and will also be discussed today.

There are exceptions to the open burning ban, including disaster rubbish in the city in an officially declared emergency situation; fire stacks; recreational fires for cooking, heating, recreation and ceremonies; prescribed agricultural burns; training fires; and outdoor fire places and grills.

Check the rules if you want more information about those exceptions.

Giving impetus to a total burning ban is the fact that the State of Iowa is trying to go smoke-free.

Starting next month, cigarette smokers won’t be able to smoke indoors at public restaurants, bars, government buildings and many other places.

Smoking adds to pollution.