Burning brush piles in winter not cut and dried

Winter might seem like a perfectly safe time to burn, but it’s important to practice fire safety any time of year, to prevent wildfires. When the ground is completely snow-covered, people can burn in DNR protection areas, without a DNR burning permit.

However, check with a local municipality, which may have additional restrictions.

Only burn brush piles that were covered with a tarp in fall, and remained covered for several months. Notify the local fire department and dispatch offi ces in advance, to avoid unnecessary fire response.

Gather and pile brush in an open area, away from over-hanging branches. When ready to burn, choose a calm day (winds less than 8 mph) with complete snow-cover on the ground. Snow must be contiguous and adjacent to the fire, and remain for the duration of the burn.

Place small amounts of crumpled clean paper into the brush around the base of the pile. Light the paper all around the base of the pile. Do not use the fire to dispose of household garbage, rubber tires, oil or other accelerants.

Using a rake or shovel, turn the debris while in the flames, to ensure all the materials are completely burned. Avoid standing in direct contact/downwind of smoke and never leave the fire unattended.

When the fire is out, consider gathering nutrient-rich cold embers to use in flower beds and gardens in the spring. Alternatives to burning can also be composting, chipping and leave brush for habitat, or hauling away to a transfer site.

Spring is the peak of fire season in Wisconsin, so plan ahead and don’t wait until it’s too late to practice fire safety.