Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Press ReleaseSALT LAKE CITY -- Each year, debris burns blow out of control, escape and become wildfires that burn private and public land. It is common in rural areas for landowners to use burn barrels and field burning to get rid of debris and dead vegetation, but state and federal officials are urging caution.
Open burning is regulated by individual counties and cities, so, people wishing to burn fields, ditches and waste piles should consult their local ordinances.
"Debris burning is major cause of wildfires in Utah," said State Forester, Dick Buehler. "We want the public to be more aware of the implications of an escaped burn."
Buehler says that if a fire escapes, the person responsible for the burn is also responsible for the cost of putting it out. In 2008, firefighters responded to 97 wildfires that resulted from debris burns on private and public land.
With good preparation and safety precautions, people can burn debris with relative safety. The list below offers some recommendations on making debris burns as safe as possible.
- Never burn on windy days, check your local weather forecast.
- Choose a site where flames and embers won't unintentionally set nearby vegetation on fire.
- Clear a horizontal area at least ten feet on each side making sure to scrape down to mineral soil.
- Vertical clearance should be at least five times the height of the pile to keep radiant heat from igniting branches, structures, utility lines etc.
- If using a burn barrel, ensure adequate ventilation and use a mesh screen cover at all times.
- Keep a water hose and shovel nearby (if a hose isn't possible, 5-gallon water buckets are advised).
- Never leave any fire unattended.
Burning is not the only option for getting rid of debris; in fact it degrades air quality. Many landfills have sites available for organic material disposal. Most cities and counties that allow open burning restrict the time-frame to October through May; a permit may be required after May 31.
(Courtesy Bureau of Land Management)
