The fall is a popular time to burn leaves or branches in your backyard. When burning yard waste and debris, follow these important steps from the USDA Forest Service.

CHECK THE CONDITIONS

Dont burn when its windy or whe vegetation is very dry.

PREPARE YOUR PILE

Keep your piles small and manageable. Add additional debris as the fire burns down.

LOOK AROUND

The site should be surrounded by gravel or mineral soil at least 10 feet in all directions. Keep the surroundings watered down during the burn and have a shovel nearby.

DROWN IT OUT

Whether its a requirement in you area or not, always stay with your fire until it is entirely out. Drown the fire with water, turn over the ashes with a shovel, and drown it again. Repeat several times.

BURN THIS, NOT THAT

You can burn dry, natural vegetation grown on the property unless prohibited by local ordinances. Household trash, plastic, and tires are not good to burn and are illegal to burn in some areas.

CHECK LOCAL REGULATIONS

In your area, a permit may be required.

CHECK IN

Check the burn area regularly over the next several days and up to several weeks following the burn, especially if the weather is warm, dry, and windy.

LOOK UP

Choose a safe burning site away from power lines, overhanging limbs, buildings, vehicles, and equipment. You will need at least three times the height of the pile of vertical clearance.

USE THE CORRECT RECEPTACLE

If using a burn barrel, make sure its made entirely of metal, in good condition, and properly equipped at least three evenly-spaced, 3-inch, screened vents and a metal top screen.