Escambia County Fire Rescue Urges Residents to Stay Safe when Burning Yard Waste

As Escambia County residents clear downed trees and vegetative debris after Hurricane Isaias, Escambia County Fire Rescue reminds residents to stay safe when burning yard waste. Burning yard waste in Escambia County does not require burn authorization, but residents must follow applicable ordinances including Escambia County's Open Burning Ordinance. Escaped debris burning is one of the leading causes of wildfires in Florida.

Click here to view an outdoor burning safety video from Escambia County Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service.

Note: The City of Pensacola prohibits outdoor fires or open burning of any kind within city limits. Please see the city ordinance for more information.

Here are a few Tips to Follow:

• Avoid burning on windy or dry days
• Keep fires small and manageable
• Maintain a clear area around the burn site
• Never use accelerants such as gasoline to start or maintain a fire
• Keep a water source or fire extinguisher nearby
• Never leave a fire unattended
• Fully extinguish the fire with water

Required Setbacks for Burning Yard Waste

The pile must be:

• 25 feet from forests
• 50 feet from paved public roads
• 25 feet from your house
• 150 feet from other occupied buildings

Large Burn Piles

Piles greater than 8 feet in diameter require a burn authorization from the Florida Forest Service. You are also required to have suppression equipment on hand. Check with your local Florida Forest Service Office to find out if there are any restrictions in your area.

Note: It is illegal to burn household garbage including paper products, treated lumber, plastics, rubber materials, tires, pesticide, paint, and aerosol containers.

For more information on ways to safely burn yard waste, click here.

For information about hurricane debris pickup in Escambia County, click here.