Burning Safety
How to Safely Ignite the Fire
- An adult should always be present during open burning and children and pets should be kept a safe distance away.
- Use paper and kindling to start the fire and add progressively larger pieces of wood. Parts of a leftover Christmas tree may also be used.
- Never use gasoline, kerosene or any other flammable liquid to start a fire because the risk of personal injury is high.
- Burn one small pile at a time and slowly add to it. This will help keep the fire from getting out of control.
- Select a location away from any utility lines.
Fire Must Be Attended Until Extinguished
- While the fire is burning, an adult must attend the fire until it is completely extinguished.
Have Fire Control Tools On Hand
Have fire extinguishment materials on hand including a water supply, shovels and rakes.The water supply could be a pressurized water fire extinguisher, a pump can or garden hose, and be sure to test it out before igniting the fire. You do not want to find out that the water is still shut-off at the house faucet or that the hose is cracked when you need it most.
Watch the Wind: Be Prepared to Extinguish All Open Burning
Be prepared to extinguish your fire if the winds pick up or weather changes. Use common sense and do not wait for the fire department to contact you to tell you that it has become unsafe to burn. Sudden wind change are how most open burning fires get out of control.If your permitted fire is having a negative effect on air quality for surrounding property owners the Agawam Fire Department will extinguish your fire. Multiple complaints can result in suspension of burning privileges and / or fines as defined in M.G.L. 148 and C.M.R. 527.
Don't Delay a Call For Help
- If for some reason, the fire should get out of control, call the fire department immediately.
- Use the utmost caution to prevent injury to yourself or family members or any damage by fire to your home.
- People conducting illegal burning, or who allow a fire to get out of control, may be held liable for costs of extinguishing the fire, fined and even imprisoned (MGL c. 48 s13).