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Volunteering USDA Forest Service
Daniel Boone
National Forest
1700 Bypass Road
Winchester, KY 40391
Phone: 859-745-3100
FAX: 859-744-1568
Safe Debris Burning
Arson | Campfires | Living with Fire
During official fire season, (February 15 - April 30 and October 1 - December 15) as outlined in KRS. 149.400, "it shall be unlawful for any person to set fire to, or procure another to set fire to any flammable material capable of spreading fire, located in or within one hundred fifty (150') of any woodland or brushland, except between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., prevailing local time, or when the ground is covered with snow".
About Debris Burning
Before doing any burning near wildland areas, contact your local forest
ranger. There are many factors to consider when planning this type of burning.
The forest ranger will explain all of them to you. You may decide not to burn;
but if you decide to go ahead, the forest ranger 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 this waste.
View pdf file about debris burning.
General Rules For Safe Debris Burning:
1. Make sure you have a valid permit, if required.
2. Check with local officials - outside burning may be prohibited.
3. Check the weather - don't burn on dry, windy days.
4. Local fire officials can recommend a safe way for burning debris. Don't pile it on the ground, it should be placed in a cleared area, away from overhead branches and wires in a screened receptacle.
5. Debris should not be accumulated for several days and then ignited. It becomes compacted and wet, increasing the air pollution, and makes the fire burn longer, requiring more watching.
6. Check local laws on burning debris. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours; others forbid it entirely.
7. 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 should be hauled away to a recycling station.
8. Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. To control the fire you will need a hose, bucket and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire.
Title: Debris Burning
Last Updated:
November 17, 2008
