By Charlotte Herdliska

Open Burning & Fire Pits

Open outdoor fires of vegetative waste or household waste including garbage are prohibited without an open burn permit issued by Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ).  Air pollution from open burning can cause serious health problem, obscure visibility and damage the environment, which is why PDEQ regulates open burning.  You should know that there are a lot of rules regarding open burning permits; read your permit carefully.  Did you know, due to its toxicity the burning of Oleander is prohibited?    Burning on a windy day always is prohibited.

Fire Pits:  you do not need a permit if your fire is used only for cooking of food, providing warmth for human beings or recreational purposes and only dry cured firewood is burned (no construction lumber, paper, rubbish or trash).  **Please note your fire must be attended at all times and be free burning (without a lot of smoke).  Always have fire suppression on hand, a garden hose, rake and/or shovel.  Be sure your fire is out. To test this hold your hand over the coals to see if they are cool and aren’t smoking or smoldering.  Please be sure your fire is completely out  – the winds around here could easily blow embers and or smoke into your or your neighbor’s home or yard.  A smoldering, smoking fire is a hazard to the environment and to your neighbors.

The 2020 NPM theme is: “Disasters Don’t Wait. Make Your Plan Today.”

National Preparedness Month (NPM) is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year.  As our country continues to respond to COVID-19, there is no better time to be involved in pre-planning than this September.  We can plan ahead for many disasters or near disasters here in Southern Arizona such as flooding, wildfires, storms with high wind and more.  Please make a plan, know your escape route, have a go bag, and get to know your community and your neighbors. We are in this together!

For more information, brochures on disaster preparedness and home safety, please contact your local Fire Department.

FM Charlotte Herdliska Corona de Tucson Fire Department (520) 762-9370

Travis Mooney Rincon Valley Fire Department (520) 647-3760

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