Local Area and Burn Permit Infor

Safe Burning Page

Before a permit can be issued you must know the basic information on this page.

Tools

The basic equipment you need to have on hand before you start burning are:

For burns of Less than 1 acre of mowed grass (lawn)

Mown lawn, blades less than 4 inches in length
Garden hose capable of reaching entire perimeter
Burlap bags to wet and control fire
A minimum of 3 adult persons to monitor fire until it is completely out

For a 10 x 10 burn pile

Rake
Shovel
Garden hose or sufficient water to extinguish the pile
A minimum of 1 adult person to monitor fire until it is completely out

Fuel Breaks

For burns of Less than 1 acre of mowed grass (lawn)

For an under 1 acre of lawn burn, you must have a 8 foot wide area cleared down to mineral soil or rake off dead grass and wet down outer 8 feet of perimeter near woods, structures and other property.

For a 10 x 10 burn pile

For a 4 foot high, 10 x 10 foot burn pile, you must have a 15 foot wide area cleared down to mineral soil.

Check In

You must call your Division of Forestry Office each day you plan to burn.

Wind

Burning is not allowed during windy conditions. Remember that you must evaluate the conditions at your specific location. If windy conditions exist in your specific area, do not burn. You will be held responsible if you burn and the fire escapes your burn area.

Be familiar with the Beaufort Wind Scale to help judge the wind speed in your area.

Monitor the Fire

You must be on site while the fire is burning.

Completely Extinguish the Fire

The fire must be completely out before you leave the site. Remember that you are responsible for any fire that you start until it is COMPLETELY out.

Tips for a Successful Burn

Keep pile free of dirt for a complete burn
Start fire small and feed it as it burns down
Be aware of how topography (slope) will affect fire's behavior
Check weather forecast before burning

If you have any questions on the information presented on this page, please call the nearest Division of Forestry Office.