Apr 13
NO LUMBER WHAT-SO-EVER IN THE BURN PILE.Update April 11. Compactor Yard Update – Please Read
River Bend has experienced a few recent issues at the compactor yard — many of which have been beyond our control — and we appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as we work through them.
Here are a few important updates and reminders:
1️⃣ Brush Pile Overflow
Due to strong winds over the past few weeks, the brush pile has grown significantly beyond what we normally see. We’re working to manage it as quickly as possible — thank you for your understanding!
2️⃣ Burn Pile Guidelines
Please remember: Plastic trash bags, even if full of leaves, must be emptied before being placed in the burn pile. The bags themselves should be disposed of separately in the proper receptacle.
3️⃣ Lumber Disposal Change
While some lumber has been allowed in the past, it’s become too difficult to monitor what is and isn’t acceptable. Moving forward, all lumber should be disposed of in the open tops, not in the burn pile.
We appreciate everyone doing their part to keep River Bend clean and running smoothly!
Update Mach 30. Important Notice: Burn Permit Secured – Please Follow the Rules!
Great news! We’ve secured a burn permit for Riverbend, allowing us to responsibly dispose of brush and branches. However, we need everyone’s cooperation to ensure we follow the guidelines and maintain this privilege.
What’s Allowed in the Burn Pile?
- Non-treated wood
Update April 11. - Brush
- Branches
What’s NOT Allowed?
- Treated or painted wood
Update April 11. - Plastic, metal, or trash
- Any other prohibited materials
Why This Matters
If ANY unauthorized materials are found in the burn pile, we risk losing our permit. While maintenance will check the pile before burning, hidden items could still slip through inspection. It’s up to all of us to be mindful of what we’re adding.
Let’s Work Together
By following these simple rules, we can continue using the burn pile safely and responsibly. Please spread the word and help us keep this privilege intact for the community.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Update March 25. Attention All Members:
At our last monthly meeting, we were informed that the fire department was called three times regarding our burn pile. Reports were made claiming that prohibited items were being burned. Please remember that only natural wood materials—such as tree limbs, brush, and leaves—are allowed.
If the fire department continues to receive calls and responds to our site, we risk having our burn permit revoked. To avoid this, we ask that everyone strictly follow the guidelines.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping the burn pile in compliance!
Brush Pile Guidelines for 2025
Last season, there were some issues with prohibited items—such as wooden furniture and pressure-treated lumber—being burned in the brush pile. To prevent a repeat and to ensure we maintain the park’s burn permit, a monitoring system will need to be implemented. While the details are still being finalized, our goal is to put measures in place with minimal inconvenience to everyone.
We appreciate your cooperation and will provide further updates as soon as possible. Thank you for helping us keep this process running smoothly!
Managing a burn pile is an important task that requires proper planning and adherence to safety protocols. The River Bend burn permit covers only organic materials, and there are specific rules in place to ensure the process is both effective and safe. This post outlines the materials that are permitted, the procedures RBMC follows, and what you need to know to safely contribute to the burn pile.
Permitted and Forbidden Materials
When contributing to the burn pile, it’s essential to follow our strict guidelines regarding what can and cannot be burned. For safety and environmental reasons, only certain materials are allowed.
Permitted Materials:
- Organic material only (such as brush, leaves, and trees).
- Trees up to four inches in thickness.
Forbidden Materials: The following items must never be placed on the burn pile:
- Large trees (over four inches thick).
- Pressure-treated lumber.
- Plastic or household garbage.
- Metal objects, batteries, and glass.
- Yard tools with internal combustion or electric motors.
- Fuel cans.
- Cardboard
- Wood siding
- Electronic materials
- Construction debris
- Cushions
- Styrofoam
- Tree stumps
- Wood chips
- Mulch
These materials not only present significant safety hazards but can also interfere with the effectiveness of the burn process.
Burn Pile Procedure
To maintain efficiency and safety, the burn pile is managed with a strict routine. We typically conduct burn operations on Tuesday mornings, which allows the fire to burn out and be cleaned up by the weekend.
Key Procedures:
Burn Location: The burn pile alternates between the two sides of the concrete divider. Please pay attention to the side in use and always dump your brush and leaves on the opposite side if the fire is actively burning. Larger Timber: If you have larger timber, it may be accommodated for future bonfires. However, this requires pre-approval from the maintenance supervisor.
Safety and General Guidelines
- Never Dump Near Active Fires: For your safety, please be cautious when dumping materials while the fire is going. Ensure that you place materials only on the side opposite the active fire.
- Monitor Fire Conditions: We aim to maintain a safe and controlled burn, but please be mindful of any weather conditions (wind, humidity, etc.) that may affect the burn’s safety.
- Clean-Up: The burn pile is managed so that the area is fully cleaned and safe by the weekend. Keeping the pile organized and adhering to the material guidelines helps maintain a smooth and safe process.
Thank you for helping us keep the burn pile organized and safe!