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Know Before You Burn: Burn Authorizations Often Needed
February 27, 2015
Many times, area residents need permits for outdoor burns, according to the Florida Forest Service.
One of the primary roles of the Florida Forest Service is management of the state’s burn programs. Whether burning acres of forestlands or piles for land clearing operations, residents who plan to burn often need an authorization from their local FFS office.
“One of the goals of the Forest Service is to promote the benefits of fire and forest management,” said David Smith, Operations Administrator for the Blackwater District. “These authorizations are not meant to discourage people from burning, they’re simply a way to measure and track how much burning is occurring, where it’s happening and help ensure that people are doing it safely.”
The “where” part of that equation can be essential if a FFS firefighter has to respond to a fire. Through the Service’s internal Fire Management Information System, districts can map out all the burns in their area on any given day and if the need arises, direct responding crews.
If we don’t know where the burns are happening, that task becomes much more difficult.
“Firefighters responding to the correct location is crucial,” Smith said. “If a wildfire is threatening someone’s property, we certainly do not want critical firefighting resources delayed or diverted to a burn that someone is watching.”
Recently, the Blackwater District’s fixed wing aircraft pilot has discovered numerous unauthorized burns while on routine patrol. Mostly pile burns, the pilot has been able to mark the area on GPS and radio dispatch who then sends a Forest Ranger to inspect. Many of these inspections have results in a Notice of Violation for the landowner or person conducting the unauthorized burns.
In 2014, unauthorized debris burns made up more than 7% of the wildfires in district. So far in 2015, there have been 4 escaped unauthorized debris burns which is almost 15% of our fires. Landowners or burners can be charged for the cost suppression if their fire escapes regardless of whether it is authorized or not.
It’s important to note that not all pile burns require an authorization, however, and sometimes it can get confusing. Sometimes residents simply are unaware that they need to get authorizations before lighting the pile.
What type of burning requires authorization from the Florida Forest Service?
- Acreage burns. If you’re planning to burn woodlands, grass pastures, home lawn or any other large area, you need an authorization.
- Pile burns. Whether you’re burning multiple piles of land clearing debris generated on site or simple yard debris you generated while trimming trees and shrubs, if the pile is greater than 8 feet in diameter, you need an authorization.
There is no fee for a burn authorization.
Information required to obtain an authorization:
- Location of the burn – street address or Section, Township and Range
- Acreage to be burned – if appropriate
- Number of piles to be burned, height, length (i.e. three piles, 9 by 12 feet in size) – if appropriate
- Landowner’s name
No authorization needed if you are burning a pile of yard debris generated on your own property but it must meet the following requirements:
- 8 feet or less in diameter or in a non-combustible container (burn barrel).
- 150 feet or more from other homes.
- 50 feet or more from paved public roads.
- 25 feet or more away from your home.
- 25 feet or more away from wildlands, brush or other combustible structures.
If residents are unsure if their planned burns needs to be authorized, they can call (850) 957-6140 for more information or visit www.FloridaForestService.com and click on the “Quick Link” for prescribed fire.
NorthEscambia.com file photos.
Comments
One Response to “Know Before You Burn: Burn Authorizations Often Needed”
Thanks for the info. I knew some, but not all of it. You saved me at least a warning, if not a fine for some burning I was planning on doing tomorrow.