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Plan on doing a little Burning Today? Learn Before You Burn

BOISE, ID- Spring weather draws large numbers of “clean-up burners” to their backyards. Before doing any burning in your area, contact your local fire officials. There are many factors to consider when planning this type of burning. The State of Idaho requires burn permits from May 10 through October 20 for residential open air burning of residential solid waste. However, local ordinances concerning burning may supersede state rules and regulationsin some areas. Please check with your local Fire Department. The local fire officials weigh all factorswhen considering whether it is safe to burn and can explain them to you. You may decide not to burn; but if you decide to go ahead, they can offer technical advice.

Weather is important. Windy, dry days are not suitable for burning, because of the added danger that the fire will escape your control. Be sure to stay with your fire until it is out. Debris fires account for about one fourth of the more than 100,000 forest fires that blacken the USA each year. Here’s what you can do to cut down on this costly waste of money and resources.

General Rules for Safe Debris Burning:

  • Make sure you have a valid permit if necessary. Check local laws on burning debris. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours; others forbid it entirely.
  • Check with local officials – outside burning may be prohibited.
  • Check the weather – don’t burn on dry, windy days.
  • Burn in a cleared area, away from overhead branches and wires.
  • Consider the alternatives to burning. Some types of debris, such as leaves, grass,

and stubble, may be of more value if they are not burned. Household trash

can be hauled away to a recycling station.

  • Have hand tools, shovels and a supply of water or fire extinguisher handy.
  • Be prepared to stay with the fire until it is out

Pile and Burn Barrel Tips

  • Keep the pile small, 4–foot diameter.
  • Clear all flammable material and vegetation within 10 feet of the pile or can.
  • Be in attendance with a shovel until it is dead out.
  • Keep a hose or bucket of water at the site.
  • Don’t burn when windy.
  • A heavy mesh screen with holes no larger than ¼ inch on the top of the burn barrel, and any holes in the barrel need to be covered to prevent embers from escaping.

Agricultural Burning

  • Make a firebreak before you start. Check weather forecast. Have enough people, water and hand tools available.
  • When burning fields, ditch banks or fence lines, it is always safest to ignite against the wind
  • Be prepared to stay until fire is out. Most fires escape because they are left unattended and/or winds increase in speed or change direction.

If you must burn debris, do it safely. Never leave a fire unattended. Find out who your local fire protection agency is and check with them before you burn.

For more information about burn permits available through Idaho Department of Lands, contact call 208-769-1525.