Rules for safe burning in our area.
Everyone knows that something as small as one match can start a huge fire. In fact it only takes a spark.
This is why we have come up with guidelines to help make having a fire safer for everyone in our area. When used properly fire can be a great tool. Keep in mind that any time you want to have an outdoor open fire in the Heber-Overgaard area, you must call it in first. We have an answering machine available 24 hours a day that you can call to leave a message on, to let us know you will be burning. When you call this machine it will let you know if it is a day you can burn or if it is a Red Flag Day. (A day you can't burn on) The number for this service is 928-535-6709. Follow the directions on the machine. Any fires that are less than 3'x 3' do not need a burn permit. You only need to call it in. Any fires greater than 3' x 3' need to have a burn permit. To get a burn permit you will need to come into the Fire Station during business hours (Monday -Friday 8-5) and fill one out. The permit is free. You can then set up a time when the Fire Crew can come out to the area you will be burning in and inspect the area. You will need to have the area ready for inspection ahead of time. Here is a list of the qualifications your burn area must meet.
The area must be a minimum of 50 feet from any structure.
Piles shall not be any greater than 7 feet by 7 feet.
The ground must be cleared all the way to bare dirt a minimum of 10 feet all around the pile.
If you dig a pit it can not be larger than 7 feet by 7 feet by 2 feet deep.
You can use an approved container such as a burn barrel (still needs to be inspected). No combustible material within 10 feet of container.
Only natural vegetation type materials can be burned. Materials must be dry and readily combustible and only burned in amounts that will be completely consumed before the permitted burn hours end.
No man made materials and or garbage can be burned.
The following is a list of thing you must follow when burning.
You must call the Fire Department first before any burning.
Burn hours start at 6 a.m. and end at 6 p.m. October through March. April through September they will end at 8 p.m.
A reliable source of water must be present such as a garden hose.
Rakes or shovels must also be present.
Fires must be attended by a competent person at all times. You can not leave a fire unattended.
All fires must be properly extinguished so that they can not rekindle on their own.
Having the burn permit does not relieve you of any neglect or damages to other properties that are a result of your fire.
You must have a copy of the burn permit on site during the time of the burn.
The reporting form will be filled out by you each time you burn. This is given to you when you apply for a permit. It must be turned in by the 15th of March each year. It helps the Fire Department keep track of the amount of material burned each year.
After the crew has inspected your area they will sign the permit, if it is up to standard. If it is not, they will make recommendations and set up a time to come back and do another inspection. The following list will describe the Red Flag condition or the conditions that burning will not be allowed in.
Sustained winds or forecast of winds higher than 10 miles per hour, or higher.
Relative humidity of 15% or lower.
Water shortage.
Extreme fire behavior conditions.
The answering machine you call will let you know if it is a Red flag day. You will also see the Red Flag flying outside the Fire Station. Remember under no circumstances will any outdoor burning be allowed during Red Flag.
Gas grills can be used outside but no charcoal can be used, during Red Flag.
Thank you for helping us keep our Community Safe. If you have any questions feel free to give us a call at 928-535-4346.
