Burn Laws and Tips

Burn laws/Safety tips

Some tips and requirements to keep in mind before you burn yard waste include:

• Check with your city or county before you burn, some areas have stricter rules regarding burning and some municipalities do not allow any burning within city limits.
• 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 from any occupied dwelling other than your own home.
• Legal burning hours are between 8 a.m. and one hour before sunset.
• It is illegal to burn household garbage (including paper products), treated lumber, plastics, rubber materials, tires, pesticide, paint and aerosol containers.
• Piles greater than 8 feet in diameter will require authorization from the Division of Forestry.
• Clear down to bare, mineral soil around your pile to prevent the fire from spreading.
• Don’t burn on windy days.
• Never leave a fire unattended – even for a moment.
• Grass fires can spread quickly. Be prepared. Keep handy a water hose, shovel or other means to put out the fire.
• Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving it – no smoke and no heat.
• If your fire escapes, call for help quickly. Several minutes may pass before a fire department or the Division of Forestry can arrive on scene.
• If your fire escapes, you might be held liable for the cost of suppression and damages to the property of others.