Fall Outdoor Fire Safety
The recent months have featured some soggy conditions, but that doesn’t mean outdoor fires can’t start or spread easily.
Falling dead leaves, drying grass, and warm and breezy weather over a few days can easily lead to conditions ripe for fire spread. With campfires and burn pits lighting up as we move deeper into fall, let’s take a moment to review the following safety tips for outdoor burning.
Outdoor Burning Safety Tips
- Avoid burning outdoors on days where it is dry, warm, and windy.
- Always have a bucket of water or hose nearby to help prevent fire from spreading out of your container.
- If you live near a wooded area, maintain a large clearance between the fire and the tree line.
- Look up to make sure any fires are well away from trees, overhangs, and utility lines.
- Only burn wood and brush and other similar organic material.
- Have a 10-foot ring of dirt or gravel around any fire pit.
- Keep any flammable materials at least 30 feet away from your fire.
- Continuously monitor the fire to ensure embers or brands aren’t spreading.
- Ensure the fire is completely extinguished before leaving it.
- Check the area for a few days to ensure there are no hot spots remaining.
- If you do have an unexpected fire, dial 9-1-1 immediately to report it.
Check with your Municipality
- Some municipalities have ordinances prohibiting open burning, or only allow open flame for cooking.
- Keep advised of burn bans if conditions are more likely for rapid-fire spread.
- Some burning may require a permit, such as a bonfire.
- If you are planning to burn on your property, you may want to notify your local fire company or county 9-1-1 center using a non-emergency line.
For more information, visit the Office of the State Fire Commissioner's website, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' website, and the Smokey Bear website.
