Agenda - 01-29-2001-1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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19 Generally these burns are coordinated through the Forestry Service and, with the exception of the bermudagrass burns, on the recommendation that the materials be pushed into a cleared area, away from adjacent forest, to be burned. It is also recommended that the burning piles be stirred. Stirring the pile introduces oxygen, resulting in complete combustion of the fuel. The smoke generated from a smoldering fire is the result of incomplete combustion. The most recommended practice is to pit burn with an air curtain from a large fan. Smoke from a pit burn is minimal. Horticultural/Landscaping Burning There are 3 primary reasons that burning is practiced in horticulture and landscaping. These are: • Leaf burning in autumn • Burning brush as waste removal • Burning of diseased or pest plants and trees Homeowners can bum yard trimmings, excluding logs over 6 inches in diameter and stumps, if it is allowed under local ordinance (presently there is no prohibition in the-unincorporated areas of Orange County), if no public pickup is available (it is not in the unincorporated areas of Orange County), and if it doesn't cause a public nuisance. If the burn takes place in or within 500 feet of woodland protected by the Forest Service, their permit requirements, discussed above, must be met. Nurseries are a small but growing part of the economic picture in Orange County. When a disease is identified in their inventory, sometimes burning is employed as the method of eradication. It is thorough, inexpensive, and does not require pesticides. 2. Current Re ulato Environment Permitting The two state agencies that regulate open burning are'the NC Forestry Service and the Division of Air Quality. These are both within the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The Forestry Service allows open burning without permits between the hours of 4pm and midnight. The fire must be extinguished by midnight. They require permits from midnight to 4pm and permits are issued at the Forest Service Office, as well as by proxy at several fire departments, Southern States stores, and the County Fire Marshall's office. Once a permit is issued, it is valid for 30 days. If that window of opportunity passes, the individual must apply for another permit. The Division of Air Quality allows burning of vegetation to clear land or rights-of-way between the hours of 8am-6pm, provided that winds are away from roads and built up areas. and fires are 1,000 feet from occupied buildings. Inside the municipalities and extra-territorial jurisdictions in Orange County the Town Fire Marshals are responsible for regulating burning. Burning permits can be issued, but issuance is extremely rare, especially because brush and leaf collection is available publicly.