Open Burning Safety Tips

• Obtain a permit that allows you to burn. Such permits do NOT excuse a person from following the state’s open-burning rules.
• Follow the safety information on the burn permit. Permits are issued during conditions that are safe and may be denied or revoked if too windy or dry
• An adult should always be present during open burning and children and pets should be kept a safe distance away.
• Use paper and kindling to start the fire and add progressively larger pieces of wood.
• Only burn leaves, brush, limbs, etc. Never burn trash.
• Prevent controlled burns from becoming out of control by burning early in the season. Wet and snowy winter conditions keep down the chances of rapid fire spread.
• Never use gasoline, kerosene or any other flammable liquid to start a fire because the risk of personal injury is high.
• Burn one small pile at a time and slowly add to it. This will help keep the fire from getting out of control.
• Create a "fire line" around the fire to prevent fires from spreading across the ground. Rake the area of dried grass, leaves or other highly flammable vegetation.

• Do not burn within 500 feet of any buildings or structures.
• Select a location away from any utility lines.
• Keep piles away from buildings, fences, decks, trees, shrubs and any other combustible material
• Be sensitive to neighbors who may experience smoke blowing into their home or property.

• Have fire extinguishments material on hand such as a water supply, shovels and rakes.
• Check water supply before igniting the fire. Be very cautious if you attempt to control a brush fire with a garden hose. Wildfires move very rapidly and can severely burn you.
• Extinguish all fires and embers before nightfall.

• Be prepared to extinguish all open burning if the wind picks up or weather changes. Use common sense in dry and windy weather. Sudden wind change is how most open burning gets out of control.

• If the fire should get out of control, call 911 immediately.
• If you or your family is in danger evacuate the area immediately

The Blowing Rock Fire Department members urge you to use the utmost caution in all of your open burning activities to prevent wild and debilitating fires.