How to Safely Burn Leaves
Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at 01:54PM 
Is it just me or does it seem like there are a lot more dead leaves than usual this year? Dead leaves make your yard look ugly so it's only natural to want to get rid of them. A lot of people burn them because that's the fastest way to get rid of them but burning leaves can be a fire hazard. Before you burn your dead leaves, check out these safety tips:
1. Get a burn permit. Here is a link to the Georgia Foresty Commission where you can get a burn permit for had piled natural vegetation. The Georgia Forestry Commission recommends you always check the Fire Weather Forecast and Current Fire Danger Rating for your area before initiating any type of outdoor burn.
2. Pick your spot. Choose a spot that is far from buildings, trees, overhead cables and anything else that could catch fire or be damaged by smoke. The area should preferably be bare dirt.
3. Rake together the pile of leaves you wish to burn. Keep the pile small and burn only dry leaves because they make less smoke and burn much quicker. You should have 6 feet cleared in every direction around the pile of leaves.
4. Do not use accelerants. You should not need them on dry leaves and they could cause your fire to get out of hand.
5. Monitor the fire at all times. Keep a garden hose and a rake near by in case it starts to get out of hand. Keep your phone with you in case you need to call the fire department.
6. Hose the fire down once it burns out. Soak it thoroughly with water to put out any embers that might still be glowing.
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