Open burning is a convenient way to get rid of certain waste materials
and is an aid in crop management. However, the smoke and debris from
these fires reduces air quality and is the trigger for many respiratory
conditions in residents of Shawnee County. It is also a safety hazard
to property and an expense to residents when the fire departments
respond to illegal, non-permitted or out-of-control open burning
operations. Follow these simple Do's and Don'ts and the experience will
be much more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Do's:
-Call the fire department each day that you want to burn for conditions
and permission.
-Burn only dried clean wood and organic wastes, such as wild grasses
and agricultural fields. Clean wood waste includes only dry trees,
brush, and dimensional, non-treated lumber (2x4's, 2x6's, etc.). That
means you can't burn plywood, pressboard, or any other composite wood
products made with volatile glues or adhesives.
-Consider alternatives to open burning, such as recycling and
composting.
-Use only enough diesel fuel to start the fire, not keep it going. If
the wood's not dry enough, don't burn it.
-Stay with the fire while it is burning. If you have to leave, put the
fire out.
-Burn only when the wind is above 5 miles per hour and below 15 miles
per hour. Call your fire district for the information.
-Create a firebreak (mowed, tilled, or plowed) for at least 15 feet on
all sides of the area to be burned.
-Notify your neighbors within 1000 feet of the burn site of your
intentions.
-Notify your local police or highway patrol if you plan on burning
within 1000 feet of a roadway.
Don'ts:
-Do not add any materials to the fire 2 hours before sunset.
-Do not burn until one hour after sunrise.
-Do not burn in a closed container (barrel, pit, etc.).
-Do not burn any of the following: tarpaper, composite roofing, any
asbestos-containing material, including siding, composite wood
products, paint cans, railroad ties, landscape timbers, garbage,
plastic, foams, old furniture, cloth, petroleum products, hazardous
materials, household cleaners, household trash, metals, aerosol cans,
tires, or non-dried heavy smoke-producing wet or green brush or trees.
Shawnee County Fire District #1
"Silver Lake Fire"
218 W. Railroad
Silver Lake, Kansas 66539
(785) 582 4667
Info@SilverLakeFire.com