Backyard burning is a popular autumn activity. And yet, there are many homeowners that don’t follow the basic rules of burning. There were 68,151 wildfires, which burned 10.1 million acres, in 2015 according to the National Interagency Fire Center. So before you burn any yard waste or debris this fall consider this advice.
Know Local Weather
High winds and drought can contribute to wildfires. If your area is exceptionally windy or if rain has been lacking, save your burn for another day.
Do You Have a Permit?
Some counties require you to have the proper paperwork filled out before you can burn brush or debris. Check your local regulations.
Burn Only Brush
It might not seem like burning a tire or some trash could cause problems. But most local ordinances state that you can only burn dry brush grown on your property.
Check Your Burn Area
Your burn area should be away from buildings and vehicles, vegetation, power lines, tools, and equipment. Also, cover ten-fifteen feet from the burn area with gravel that has been wetted down. Have a fire extinguisher or a hose on hand to help control any emergencies. Â
Prepare Your Brush Pile
Just because you have a lot to burn doesn’t mean you need to do so all at once. Be sure to keep all burn piles small and manageable so you’re not facing a big problem.
Don’t Leave Your Fire Unattended
If your brush pile is still burning, do not walk away—even for a moment. Check to make sure all debris is fully extinguished before leaving the burn site. Even a tiny ember picked up by the wind can cause massive destruction.
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