Open Burning and Brush Fire Prevention​

It’s Dry Season – lack of rain and high winds are prime conditions for uncontrollable brush fires. Also known as wildfires, brush fires can spark from carelessness, equipment malfunctions, or naturally from lightning strikes. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue urges you to take steps now to keep your home and property safe.

Landscaping safeguards around the home to slow flame spread.

• Keep trees from touching structures and branches trimmed far away.
• Keep all primary and secondary exits clear in case a quick escape is necessary. Remove storage and combustibles under decks, balconies, and outdoor steps.
• Use only hard ground cover such as rocks, or decorative stone within 5’ feet of the home and nearby structures. 
• Grass, landscaping, vegetation and soft ground cover such as wood bark and plastic mulch is combustible and can catch and spread fire easily.
• Remove dead trees, leaves, and other dry vegetation regularly. Tiny embers may look harmless, but they can easily ignite dry vegetation.
• NEVER discard smoking materials (ex: cigarettes, cigars) on the ground. ONLY USE proper ashtrays or ash cans filled with sand AND ensure it is fully OUT.

From the top down, fire-resistive construction is safest.

• Roof tiles made of metal, concrete and clay, and composite shingles provide the best protection.
• Double-paned tempered glass windows, brick, plaster or stucco is fire-resistive siding.
• Protect attic and roof vents with mesh screens to prevent burning embers from getting inside.
• Keep gutters clean of all dry and dead foliage.

WARNING! For ALL vehicles, portable generators, and powered (engine) units:

• HOT ENGINE manifolds can easily ignite grass and brush.  
• DO NOT USE on grass or soft ground.
• ONLY USE on hard road surfaces.
• NEVER LEAVE UNATTENDED while ON.

• Yard waste burning
• Bonfires
• Firepits
  
• Burning to clear land
  
• Ceremonial Burning
  

Exception: Agricultural per FL Forest Service

Let’s work together to keep our communities safe by following these safety precautions and prevention strategies.

QUESTIONS? Contact the Palm Beach County Fire Marshal’s Office at FIRE-MARSHAL@pbc.org