Spring and fall clean-ups are essential for maintaining a FireSmart property, but they often result in large amounts of brush and land-clearing debris. While burning is an effective disposal method, it carries significant responsibility.

To protect your family, your neighbours, and the environment, it is critical that piles are built and managed with precision. In this article, we provide a few helpful tips on how to keep your controlled burn from becoming a wildfire.

Know before you burn

What is Allowable?

Fire Bylaw #29-2020

In accordance with Fire Bylaw #29-2020, only specific materials may be burned. These regulations are in place to align with provincial statutes and protect local air quality.

Allowable burnable debris includes:

Agricultural Residue: Straw, stubble, grass, and weeds.
Yard Waste: Leaves, tree prunings, brush, and fallen trees.
Clean Wood: Wooden materials from construction or demolition (must be free of wood preservatives, paint, or stain).
Wood Waste: Solid waste from tree harvesting or post-and-pole operations (untreated).
Utility Poles: Used power or telephone poles, provided they do not contain wood preservatives.

YOUR FIRE GUARDIAN IS YOUR FRIEND

Smoke from burning piles can often affect visibility for those driving in the area, and can cause physical discomfort for some. Pre-planning your burning can help mitigate these problems and we have just the solution for you.

Fire Guardians

Prior to land clearing, contact a Lac Ste. Anne County Fire Guardian. This individual can help you determine the best dimensions for your windrows and assess whether current conditions are safe for burning.

Always build piles on clean mineral soil (such as clay, gravel, or sand).
CRITICAL: Never build piles on peat moss or muskeg. These organic soils can smoulder underground for years, resurfacing as a wildfire long after you think the fire is out.

Smaller is Safer: Build several small piles rather than one massive, dense one. They are easier to control and much faster to extinguish.
Maintain Distance: Ensure piles are located far away from standing timber, brush lines, and any outbuildings or structures.

Once your pile is built and your Fire Permit is secured (required year-round), keep these operational tips in mind:

Watch the Weather: Ideal conditions include cool temperatures and light winds. Check the forecast for fog; smoke mixed with fog can dangerously reduce visibility on nearby roads.
Talk to the Pros: Fire Guardians can provide real-time guidance on burn timing based on local fire cycles.

The after-burn

Extinguishing & Monitoring

The most dangerous phase of a brush burn is often the days—or even months—after the flames disappear.

The Soak & Stir Method: Once burning is complete, douse the pile with water, stir the ashes to uncover hot spots, and douse it again.
Ongoing Monitoring: Re-check the site regularly. Large piles can hold heat deep within the ash and rekindle during dry, windy weather months later.
The Spring Inspection: Always revisit your fall burn sites the following spring. It is strongly recommended to excavate or cultivate the area to ensure no lingering heat remains.

Safe burning practices are always in season

Don’t let your winter burn come back to life in the spring.

Learn more

We're here to help

Reducing wildfire risk is a community effort

Questions about burning conditions, dimensions, or permits? Contact your local fire guardian.

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Ensure your family's safety and protect your valuable livestock and infrastructure. Schedule a FREE Farm FireSmart site assessment with Lac Ste. Anne County Fire Services. (Learn more about them here).

Safe Brush Pile Construction & Management