Burn Barrels/Incinerators

1. Make sure burn barrels are legal in your area. If you have scheduled trash pick-up then it may be illegal for you to utilize a burn barrel. Local city, county or rural fire departments may have additional requirements for burn barrels (incinerators).
2. Burn barrels should be at least 10 feet from combustible materials such as walls, fences, and roofs. They must have a metal screen (spark arrestor) with openings no larger than on-half inch, so hot embers cannot escape.
3. Small holes cut in the sides of the barrel near the bottom will create a draft that wil cause the fire to burn hotter with less smoke.
4. Placing barrels on bricks or concrete blocks and cutting small holes in the bottom allows rainwater to drain which prolongs the life of the barrel.
5. A 10-foot clearance from all flammable vegetation needs to be maintained throughout the growing season.