While the White Mountains is experiencing warmer weather, and there are no fire restrictions in place, now may be a perfect time to clear away weeds from fences and out of ditches. Look for ways that promote safe and proper disposal of dead vegetation and other unwanted waste.
Before you conduct an open burn, keep in mind any burn permits that may be required for your area. You may contact your local Fire Departments, Police Departments and Emergency Management Departments on where to obtain burn permits.
Before you burn your waste/debris you may want to consider that open burning can produce a lot of smoke and toxic pollutants. Smoke may pose a threat to people with pre-existing conditions such as asthma, children and the elderly. Depending upon the size of the burn and the smoke it generates, it may cause a driving hazard from the smoke haze.
Materials that produce toxic smoke cannot be burned. The State’s open burning rule list these prohibited materials as:
- Chemically treated wood
- Tires
- Batteries
- Hazardous waste products
- Asphalt shingles
- Asbestos
- Explosives
- Ammunition
- Waste petroleum products
You may check the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) website at www.azdeq.gov for information on open burning.
We want you to be fire smart and clear your dead vegetation away from your homes and fences before we enter our fire season. While doing so keep in mind these tips:
- Never leave a burn site unattended. Remain at the site until the fire is completely extinguished and have equipment available to control the burn and put out the fire if necessary.
- Have your required burn permit at the burn site
- Burn only dry material
- Maintain a clearance of 50 feet from any structure
- Adhere to all local fire restrictions
Remember, having a burn permit or any burn exemption does not absolve an individual or organization from liability or responsibility for any fire started by the exempted activity.