1. What Can Be Burned in a Campfire
- Allowed:
- Clean, non-processed wood
- Untreated, natural wood, including rough cut lumber
- Not Allowed:
- Construction debris
- Painted, stained, or treated wood
- Recycled, glued, or processed wood
- Garbage or trash
- Wood scraps from processed materials
Tip: Non-processed wood is basically wood that hasn’t been altered beyond cutting it down, while processed wood includes anything that’s been milled, glued, treated, or repurposed.
2. What is a Nuisance?
A nuisance occurs when someone’s use of property substantially interferes with the use or enjoyment of another person’s property, even if there’s no trespassing or physical invasion.
Example in context:
- If your campfire produces smoke, odor, or sparks that bother neighbors, it could be considered a nuisance.
Rule of thumb: Keep fires controlled and considerate of neighbors.
3. Understanding Fire Danger (D.E.E.P. Burn Factors)
The State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (D.E.E.P.) issues a Fire Danger Index using two key metrics: Spread and Buildup.
- Spread Factor:
- Measures how far an uncontrolled fire can travel along the ground.
- Example: Spread factor 12 × 66 feet (1 chain) = 792 feet per hour
- Buildup Factor:
- Measures fuel dryness and accumulated effects of weather (humidity, precipitation).
- 0–25 = Normal, 26–50 = Critical, 50–100 = Extreme
- Burning Index / Risk:
- Combines these factors to classify fire danger as Low, Moderate, High, Very High, or Extreme
- Red Flag Warning indicates increased risk
Important: Even with a permit, local terrain (hills, valleys) affects fire behavior. Always take precautions:
Avoid burning near dry foliage, fields, or woods
Keep nearby water accessible (hose, buckets, fire extinguisher)