Fire Prevention Week: Debris Burning Safety

Welcome back for day two of Fire Prevention Week! Today we would like to take the time to discuss the primary cause of wildfires here in Pennsylvania: Debris Burning. As of September 28, 2023, there have been 862 wildfires caused by debris burning in 2023, burning a total of 1,089 acres across the Commonwealth.

Last year across the nation, 87% of the 68,988 wildfires reported were caused by humans and those fires burned more than 3 million acres (according to nifc.gov).

With that, let's take some time to learn how to properly burn debris.

The first and most important step is to check the current and future conditions. Don’t burn when it’s windy or vegetation is dry. Wind can easily carry embers or burning pieces of light debris to a new area, and if that area is dry, it can create a spot fire that can spread.

So, you’ve decided that conditions are right to burn, the next thing you should do is check your local regulations, as well as make sure there are no burn bans in place (contacting your local fire department should be your first route for that). Some local municipalities may even require you to have a permit to burn your debris.

Okay, you’re all clear on weather and regulation-wise, now take a look at what you are planning to burn. You can burn dry, natural vegetation grown on your property – unless it’s prohibited by local ordinances. Household trash, plastic, and tires are not good to burn and can be illegal in some areas.

Let’s combine steps four and five while we pick a location to burn. Look up and look around. Choose a safe site away from powerlines, overhanging limbs, buildings, vehicles, and equipment. A general rule of thumb is that you need at least three times the vertical height of your pile in vertical clearance. For at least ten feet around your pile, the site should be down to gravel or mineral soil. Keep the surroundings watered down and always have a shovel within reach.

Always keep your piles small and manageable. Add more debris as the previous debris burns down.

Now a moment to talk specifically about burn barrels: make sure it’s made entirely of metal and has at least three evenly spaced, three-inch vents, as well as a metal screen placed on top (this is to help reduce embers and pieces of debris flying away).

Another very important step: always stay with your fire until it is COMPLETELY out. Drown the fire with water, turn over the ashes with that shovel you keep handy, then drown it again. Repeat this process several times.

Finally, remember to take the time to check the burn area regularly over the next several days, or even a couple of weeks after the burn – especially if the weather becomes warm, dry, and windy.