Debris burning is the number one cause of human-caused wildfires.

Debris burning is intentionally burning vegetative material in a pile or in a metal burn barrel. Escaped controlled burns also contribute to unsafe debris burning. Any instance of fire intentionally applied to the landscape should be conducted as a prescribed fire by fire and fuel specialists.

County burn bans may reduce unsafe debris burning but a burn ban doesn’t have to be in effect for outdoor burning to be illegal or unsafe.

Negligently allowing your fire to escape onto someone else’s property is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500. Learn before you burn.

Before debris burning

• Check for and follow local bans on outdoor burning.

• Stay up to date on current wildfire potential.

• Search outdoor burning information for your area. Many cities and counties have restrictions or guidelines on what can be burned, do not allow burning within city limits, require a permit, and other policies.

• Ask your local officials if a community burn site is available. Community burn piles are prepared and monitored by the city, often with support from local fire departments.

• Avoid any outdoor burning if it is hot, dry, or windy.

• Check if weather changes are expected before igniting. Postpone if shifts in wind direction, high winds, or wind gust are in the forecast.

Debris burning area preparation

• Before starting the burn, establish a wide control line around the burn that is down to the bare mineral soil. It should be at least 10 feet around the burn pile or barrel.

• Avoid burning under overhead obstructions such as trees, powerlines, and structures.

• Keep burn piles small and manageable. No more than four feet wide is best.

• If using a burn barrel, ensure it is a metal barrel in good condition, without any rust holes. Have three evenly spaced vents in the side of the barrel near the bottom and back them with a metal mesh screen to allow for air flow and better consumption of materials. Place a metal screen on the top of the barrel with holes no larger than 5/8 inches to reduce embers from escaping.

During debris burning

• Do NOT attempt to burn aerosol cans. They can explode when heated and lead to flying materials causing injuries and potentially igniting nearby vegetation.

• Never leave the burn pile or burn barrel unattended. Stay with it at all times until it is completely extinguished.

• Keep a steady water source and hand tools nearby in case the fire attempts to spread outside your containment line.

• When possible, choose alternatives to burning.

Equipment Use

Equipment use and careless debris burning account for 50% of wildfires in Texas. Equipment includes vehicles, trailers, ATV/UTVs, heavy equipment, and other motorized equipment.

Be cautious when using equipment that could potentially overheat or spark and ignite a wildfire.

Vehicles

• Keep all vehicles in good working order. Install spark arrestors when appropriate. Maintain the vehicle’s exhaust system as failing catalytic converters may emit extremely hot metal fragments and ignite nearby vegetation.

• Avoid driving, parking, or idling over tall, dry grass. The catalytic converter underneath your vehicle is hot enough to ignite vegetation it contacts. Its temperature is between 550 to –1,600 degrees when operating and can reach 2,000 degrees if not running properly.

•  Keep tires properly inflated. Blowouts can ignite a roadside fire. Wheel rims may strike the pavement and create sparks. Keep a tire pressure gauge in your vehicle and inspect regularly to ensure all tires are properly inflated and check for signs of excessive wear or damage.

Trailers

• Maintain your trailer or RV to ensure wheel bearings, lights, wiring, and brakes function properly before your trip. Keep an eye on your trailer while driving and stop immediately if you notice any smoke, sparks, or flat tire.

• Have two secured chains when towing a trailer, boat, or RV, even for short trips. Dragging tow chains can create sparks and ignite roadside vegetation.

• Inspect your trailer and tow vehicle completely before each trip for any loose tie-downs or items that could shift and come in contact with the road.

Agricultural and other equipment

• Keep mufflers and spark arresters on ag equipment in proper working order.

• Motorized equipment such as lawnmowers may ignite a wildfire by its blades hitting a rock or piece of metal. Inspect the area you are going to mow for any metal or rock debris. Avoid mowing during the hottest and driest part of the day.

• Heavy equipment such as tractors and hay balers can potentially overheat or malfunction and ignite a wildfire. Regularly inspect bearings and other parts to remove any obstructions and replace worn or damaged parts. Keeping equipment well maintained and functioning properly can reduce the chances of overheating or sparks.

• Monitor hay baling operations closely, dry hay can ignite within the baler.

• Keep a fire extinguisher on heavy equipment.

• Ensure operators have a radio, phone, or other communication device so they can report any issues.

Welding/grinding

• Clear vegetation from the work area.

• Wet down the work area prior to starting to weld or grinding operations.

• Avoid welding and grinding on windy or dry days.

• Keep a fire extinguisher or water source nearby.

• Have a spotter with you to monitor for a fire ignited by sparks.

Campfire Safety

Campfires can be a great way to warm up while enjoying the outdoors and provides a relaxing environment outside. Keep safety a priority and recreate responsibly.

When planning, constructing, and extinguishing campfires:

Pick a spot

• First, check for local outdoor burning restrictions or ordinances and ensure that campfires are allowed on the campground, if applicable.

• Check local weather conditions and avoid igniting a campfire if it is hot, dry, or windy.

• If at a campsite, look for a designated campfire site such as a fire pit or fire ring.

• Choose a location that is at least 15 feet away from tents, structure walls, shrubs, trees, and other flammable objects.

• Avoid sites with overhead obstruction like low hanging branches, power lines, or structures.

• Ensure it is a location that you are able to stay and monitor while it is burning to make sure it doesn’t escape.

Prepare a fire pit

• Clear a 10-foot area around the campfire site.

• Dig a pit in the dirt approximately one foot deep in the center of the cleared area.

• Arrange rocks in a circle around the top of the pit. This prevents embers from escaping.

Build a fire

• Use local firewood. When you transport firewood, you might unintentionally spread harmful insects or diseases to other locations.

• Gather three types of wood to build your fire:
  • Tinder – small twigs, dry leaves or grass, dry pine needles. Add tinder as the base of your campfire.
  • Kindling – dry sticks smaller than one inch around. Add these next.
  • Firewood – larger, dry pieces of wood up to about 10 inches around. Add firewood last.

• Choose the type of campfire you’d like to build:
  • Tepee: Make a pile of tinder and arrange your kindling over it like the poles of a tepee. Keep the tepee shape as you add more wood to the fire. Be careful that the tepee doesn’t tip over.
  • Cross fire: Place a pile of tinder between two parallel pieces of kindling. Once the fire is burning, lay more pieces of kindling across the fire perpendicular to the first pair. As you add larger sticks to the fire, make each new layer perpendicular to the last, building a pyramid shape.
  • Log cabin: Surround your tinder pile with a square of kindling build by laying two sticks parallel on either side of the tinder, then two sticks on top of and perpendicular to the first pair. Build up several levels and end with a “roof” of small kindling across the top. Add larger sticks in pairs to keep the fire’s log cabin shape.

• Place unused firewood upwind and away from the fire.

• Keep the fire at a manageable size. Larger fires require more work and water to extinguish and have a greater chance of escape.

• Avoid using flammable liquids to start your fire.

• Be mindful of kids and pets around campfires.

• Keep a water source and shovel nearby.

Extinguishing the fire

• Never leave a campfire unattended. If possible, allow the wood to burn completely to ash.

• Pour water on all embers until the hissing sounds stop.

• Stir the campfire ashes and water with a shovel.

• Scrape any remaining logs to remove embers.

• Stir and ensure the extinguished materials are wet and not emitting any more heat.

• If you do not have enough water to completely extinguish the fire, mix dirt or sand with the embers. Continue adding dirt or sand and stirring the embers until heat is not present anymore.

• Do not bury the campfire because it may still smolder underground and could potentially ignite root systems or pose a safety hazard.

Firework Safety

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is supporting shows conducted by professionals. Prioritize safety to make your fireworks experience a memorable and enjoyable one for everyone.

Handled fireworks responsibly

• Follow local restrictions on firework use and burn bans that restrict fireworks.

• Postpone if the weather is hot, dry, or windy.

• Only buy fireworks from reputable sources.

• Read and follow all instructions carefully.

• Have a designated adult supervise the festivities. Do not allow children to handle fireworks.

Use fireworks outdoors

• Check surroundings during the day.

• Find an open, clear area away from buildings, trees, and vehicles.

• Ensure you have a stable surface to launch fireworks.

• Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby for emergencies.

Never do the following

• Point fireworks at people, animals, or buildings.

• Try to re-light a “dud” firework. Wait at least 20 minutes, then soak it in water.

• Wear loose clothing that could catch fire.

Protect your eyes and ears

• Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes.

• Keep a safe distance and cover your ears to avoid loud noises.

Be mindful of pets

• Keep pets indoors and secure, as fireworks can frighten them.

• Create a calm environment and provide comforting space for them.

Celebrate responsibly

• Respect your neighbors and community by adhering to local curfews and noise regulations.

• Consider alternatives to fireworks, especially for children. Glow sticks, silly string, and colored bubbles are fun and inexpensive activities that can bring some color to your party.

• If you witness illegal fireworks or unsafe practices in your area, contact local law enforcement authorities. It’s crucial to protect your community and prevent potential accidents caused by negligence.

• Report fires immediately.

Post-fireworks

• Dispose of fireworks properly. Fireworks can still be hazardous after they’ve been used. Soak them in water for a few hours, then double-check that they are completely extinguished before disposing of them.

• Inspect the surrounding area for any smoldering debris or embers. Douse them with water to prevent potential fires.

• Take a moment to clear any trash, dry grass, leaves, or other flammable materials that might have accumulated.

• If you also had a bonfire, campfire, or used a grill or fire pit ensure it is completely extinguished. Never leave it unattended.

Outdoor Cooking Safety

Outdoor cooking is part of many gatherings with family and friends. But, grills, charcoal, or propane, can be a fire hazard if not used correctly.

• Monitor weather conditions and avoid grilling with wood or charcoal on hot, dry, and windy days.

• Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors away from structures.

• Place your grill in an open space, away from tall grass, shrubs, woodpiles, or other flammable materials. Also avoid placing your grill underneath a tree or on a wooden patio deck.

• Never leave your grill unattended. Wind gusts may blow embers into dry vegetation and ignite a wildfire.

• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.

• Ensure your grill is kept clean of excess grease to prevent flare-ups.

• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

• After you finish grilling, allow coal to cool completely before disposing.

• Never travel with a lit or smoldering pit in the back of a truck or trailer. Embers or coals can fall out while driving, land in roadside vegetation and ignite it.

Article source and photo credit: Texas A&M Forest Service