Vermonters can help prevent
and prepare for wildfire:
• Obey all local and state laws or restrictions on
open burning.
• By state law, a “Permit to Kindle Fire” (an open
burning permit) MUST be obtained from the Town Forest Fire Warden and is
REQUIRED before you start to burn any natural wood or vegetation outdoors. The
fire warden will issue a permit if the weather and fuel conditions are
favorable for a controlled burn.
• Avoid burning on dry, windy days or when Fire
Weather Watches or Red Flag Warnings are issued by the National Weather
Service.
• If you can legally and safely burn: Burn small
piles; gradually adding to the fire as it burns down. Large piles of burning
debris generate intense heat capable of carrying burning embers up and into
other areas.
• Clear all dry grass and weeds from around your
burn area, and around your home and out-buildings.
• Always have tools handy while you burn - including
water, a hose, a rake and a shovel.
• If burning a large agricultural area, please check
with your local fire department for advice about burning it safely.
• CALL 911 or your local fire department if your
burn gets out of control and becomes a wildfire. If you delay calling for help,
you may have disastrous results.
• DO NOT attempt to suppress a wildfire, if it
cannot be done EASILY with the tools and water you have on hand.
• DO NOT burn
household trash. The use of burn barrels to burn trash is illegal in Vermont.
