Controlled Burning Safety Tips
Controlled burning is an effective method for clearing brush, leaves, branches, and other natural debris from property, provided it is executed correctly.
General Safety Tips
- Check Local Regulations
- Always check local regulations before conducting a controlled burn. Permits may be required.
- Ensure there are no burn bans or restrictions in place.
- Notify Authorities
- Call your local non-emergency dispatch number to inform them of your planned burn.
- Barry County 911 Non-Emergency Phone:
- Stone County 911 Non-Emergency Phone:
- Provide your name, location, date, time of the burn, and a general description of what you are burning.
- Call your local non-emergency dispatch number to inform them of your planned burn.
- Choose the Right Conditions
- Conduct the burn on a calm day with low wind speeds (ideally under 10 mph).
- Avoid burning during extremely dry conditions.
- Check the weather forecast to ensure no sudden changes in wind or weather.
- Prepare the Area
- Clear the area around the burn site of any flammable materials.
- Create firebreaks by mowing, tilling, or wetting down a strip around the burn area.
- Keep water, shovels, and fire extinguishers nearby for emergency use.
- Supervise the Burn
- Never leave the fire unattended.
- Have enough people to help control the fire.
- Monitor the fire’s progress and be ready to extinguish any escaped flames.
- Control the Fire
- Start the fire on the downwind side of the area to be burned.
- Gradually work your way upwind to control the spread of the fire.
- Burn small sections at a time to maintain control.
- Extinguish the Fire
- Ensure the fire is completely out before leaving the site.
- Douse remaining embers with water and stir the ashes.
- Continue to monitor the area for several hours after the burn.
What should I do if the fire gets too big or out of control?
If the fire becomes unmanageable or spreads beyond the burn area, get to a safe location immediately and call 911.
Provide the dispatcher with your address and a clear description of the situation. District units will be dispatched to your location to assist in extinguishing the fire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Central Crossing Fire District require permits to do controlled burns?
Central Crossing Fire Protection District does not require permits for controlled burns within the fire district.
Can I request Central Crossing Fire to assist with a controlled burn?
Central Crossing Fire Protection District does not assist residents with controlled burns. Should a controlled burn get out of control, please call 911.
Can I burn debris from Table Rock Lake on Corps land?
Central Crossing Fire Protection District is not in charge of permitting burns in the district, and the Little Rock District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is in charge of lake property, and they communicate proper timelines for burning debris along the lake. For more information, visit the Corps page.
I have questions about controlled burning, who can I contact?
For questions in regarding controlled burning, please call our district headquarters at 417-858-3560.
