Safety for Burning Brush at Your Home

Backyard burning is a popular autumn activity. And yet, there are many homeowners that don’t follow the basic rules of burning. Over 8,000 fires that burn an average of over 2.1 million hectares occur annually in Canada. 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.  

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.

Paul Davis provides professional residential and commercial emergency restoration services for disasters of all sizes. From fire damage to flood damage, Paul Davis professionals are available 24/7 to clean up and repair damage to residential and commercial property.