Outdoor burning is a viable way to get rid of vegetation debris like tree branches, brush cuttings, needles, and leaves. However, each year in the United States, wildfires damage or destroy thousands of acres, many of which are the unintended result of careless outdoor or open burning practices.
With proper site preparation and forethought, people can burn vegetative debris with reasonable safety. Taking the time to plan an outdoor burning project, preparing the burn site, and equipping yourself with basic fire suppression tools before lighting the match will dramatically reduce the chance of a burn pile fire getting out of control and becoming a 9-1-1 call.
Outdoor Burning Regulations
- It is illegal to burn household garbage (including paper products), treated lumber, rubber materials, tires, pesticides, paint and aerosol containers.
- Dry (not green) vegetative debris such as grass clippings, pine straw, leaves, tree limbs and shrub trimmings can be legally burned between 8 a.m. and one hour before sunset if it is in a pile not larger than 8 ft. in diameter and located:
- 25 feet from any forested area (grasslands, brush or wildlands).
- 25 feet from your home or other combustible structure.
- 50 feet from any paved or public roadway.
- 150 feet from any occupied dwelling other than your own home.
Using a Burn Barrel
