Burn Pile Guidelines and Safety Procedures

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.

Following these burn pile guidelines ensures that we maintain a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible system for handling organic materials. If you have any questions or need approval for larger timber, please contact the maintenance supervisor for assistance.

Thank you for helping us keep the burn pile organized and safe!