help a city girl burn brush!

[RobertN]

The thread is about safety, but there is also the other issue; what can be burnt, at least legally.

I my area, burning is limited to yard debris; brush, limbs, leaves. No tires, no oil, no construction debris. Neighbor got a big fine for burning construction debris. Piles can only be 4'tall/wide, unless with special permits.

So far, from this and other threads, it is apparent that regulations on burn piles vary hugely across the US and Canada at least.

stained fence posts, left over contruction wood, I am sure you get the picture.

 

[riptides]

The thread is about safety, but there is also the other issue; what can be burnt, at least legally...

Yes, and what you use to start burns, is it safe? What is burning, is it safe?

A whole new discussion starts!

 

[nwngunner]

When i have been clearing fence rows, i use the fel to set my pile. I have one area that i always burn at. I will usually take old dry grass or straw and put it in the center of my pile. Then i will continue to stack it bigger stuff on top. I have an old 2 1/2 gallon steel hand sprayer that i took the little tip off of. I use about a quart of gas to 2gallons of oil. Just enough to thin it out just a little. Been using 50/50 diesel and oil lately. I will take and spray the entire pile with the mix, and i take a 1x2 wrap it in cloth. I will soak the cloth in oil and let it start to burn. Step back about 50 or 60 feet and throw your homeade torch into the pile. It will take with that straw in the center.

I dont burn tires often, unless i need a super hot fire. Last time i done that was i had a cow i needed to dispose of. Say what you will, i am not going to pay 500 bucks for the rendering truck to come get a cow that died from giving birth.

As for saftey your best bet is to just take your time, build up the pile corectly and use little as needed to get it started. Its when you over do it, that you end up in trouble. How ever try burning a horse in a downpour with out oil or diesel. I am a boyscout as well, i dont care how good you are, not going to happen.

 

[RobertN]

Depends on which lawyers get involved

Yes, and what you use to start burns, is it safe? What is burning, is it safe?

A whole new discussion starts!

 

[NorTracNY]

Yeah, it is water. A dry pile of size can light so well its dangerous. A wet one will light, smoulder, and go out. Size is your friend with a damp pile. Get as much burning as quick as possible on the windward side. With luck you get enuf burning to dry adjacent wood. Thats why a big torch is good. You can help it along a little til its self sufficient -- then when its burning strong enuf, push it around a bit with the FEL to influence the burn.
larry

Am I to assume then that most of the people are trying to burn freshly downed brush and trees? I only have burned maybe 5-8 times a "large" brush pile. I've always let the pile sit and dry out for many months at a minimum. So starting the bile burn and getting a complete burn has never been an issue.

 

[crazyal]

And we wonder why people die at higher rates from things like cancer. I'm certainly not the green type but what some of you guys are burning is full of nasty chemicals that get even nastier when introduced to heat. But it's OK if you're upwind right? :laughing:

 

[riptides]

...i had a cow i needed to dispose of...

Around here some would call that a bbq...

 

[nwngunner]

if i had to eat that, i would have been to the point of eating the leather soles of my boots.

 

[bcp]

Ahh.... you would be surprised at how well brush does not burn.

But a cigarette thrown from a car window will set a forest on fire!

Bruce

 

[RobertN]

Over the last couple days, I have heard a bunch of dispatches go out for escaped control burns. Our first out engine has responded mutual aid to the neighboring district. My wildland gear is ready to go...

Be careful out there...