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Escambia CountyFlorida
Outdoor burning is a viable way to get rid of vegetation debris like tree branches, brush cuttings, needles, and leaves.  However, each year in the United States, wildfires damage or destroy thousands of acres, many of which are the unintended result of careless outdoor or open burning practices. 

With proper site preparation and forethought, people can burn vegetative debris with reasonable safety. Taking the time to plan an outdoor burning project, preparing the burn site, and equipping yourself with basic fire suppression tools before lighting the match will dramatically reduce the chance of a burn pile fire getting out of control and becoming a 9-1-1 call.
 

Outdoor Burning Regulations

  • It is illegal to burn household garbage (including paper products), treated lumber, rubber materials, tires, pesticides, paint and aerosol containers.
  • Dry (not green) vegetative debris such as grass clippings, pine straw, leaves, tree limbs and shrub trimmings can be legally burned between 8 a.m. and one hour before sunset if it is in a pile not larger than 8 ft. in diameter and located:
  • 25 feet from any forested area (grasslands, brush or wildlands).
  • 25 feet from your home or other combustible structure.
  • 50 feet from any paved or public roadway.
  • 150 feet from any occupied dwelling other than your own home.

Using a Burn Barrel

Diagram of a burn barrel setup showing screened top, side vents, and a cleared safety area around it.
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Burn Barrel Safety Setup

  • Use a metal barrel that is in good condition.
  • Cover the top with an expanded metal screen with holes no larger than 5/8 inch.
  • Include three evenly spaced 3-inch square vents near the bottom, backed by metal screen.

Clearance Area

The ground around the burn barrel should be cleared down to mineral soil or gravel for at least 10 feet on all sides.

Maintain a minimum 10-foot clearance in every direction around the incinerator.

A wildfire burns in the woods.
 Is it really out?
To ensure that a backyard debris burn is really out, follow these steps:
  • Drown the fire with water, turn over the ashes with a shovel and drown it again. Repeat several times until it is dead.
  • Check the burn area regularly over the next several days. 
  • At the onset of warm, dry weather, especially when accompanied by wind, check the burn area again,even if it is weeks after the burn.

Safe Burn Area

Diagram showing safe burn distances from homes, buildings, roads, and wooded areas.
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Safe Burn Distance Guidelines

  • Keep burn piles at least 25 feet from your house.
  • Maintain at least 25 feet from any wildlands, brush, or combustible structures.
  • Keep at least 50 feet from paved public roads.
  • Maintain at least 150 feet from other occupied buildings.

Burn Setup

Use an 8-foot diameter burn pile or a non-combustible container for controlled burning.

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