Waste burning
Every year, an average of 75 forest fires are caused accidentally by burning waste.
The burning of waste is one of the main causes of wildfires.
Here are expert tips from SOPFEU to avoid causing a wildfire while burning waste.
Flames can quickly spread to wooded areas and cause large-scale fires. The consequences can be devastating, both for natural ecosystems and surrounding communities.
Use eco-friendly alternatives
There are other eco-friendly and safe alternatives for disposing of waste:
Composting
Green waste collection
Ecocenter
Check the fire danger level and current restrictions.
If none of the alternative solutions are possible, it is imperative to take certain precautions before burning waste.
First, it's essential to check whether any restrictions are in effect.
The Ministère de la Sécurité publique may impose a fire ban, particularly during periods of drought.
Also check the fire danger index. You are strongly advised not to light a fire when the fire danger index is high or extreme, or if the wind is blowing at more than 20 km/h.
Prepare Your Fire Safely
A Debris Burn Fire Should Only Be Lit in a Clear, Wind-Sheltered Area
It must be set on a non-combustible surface, such as sand, gravel, or compacted soil, ensuring that all flammable materials are removed from the surroundings.
The fire size must not exceed one metre by one metre to keep it under control.
A debris burn fire must always be supervised. You must have water, sand, or soil nearby to extinguish it quickly in case of an emergency.
According to the Forest Protection Regulations, we are required to "remain on-site until the fire is completely extinguished."
Once the burning activity is complete, douse the fire thoroughly with water. If water is not available, use sand or soil.
To eliminate any risk, stir the embers and add more water if needed. Repeat the process until no heat source remains.
An improperly extinguished fire can reignite hours later, especially due to wind.
Check the municipal regulations
It's also important to check municipal regulations. A municipality may restrict burning on its territory, even if a fire ban has not been decreed by the MSP.
*A domestic burning permit may even be required in certain circumstances.
Myths or Facts I
"The snow has melted, and the ground is wet. I can burn my waste safely." Think again!
Despite cool spring temperatures and damp soil, land-clearing or waste-burning fires cause a significant number of wildfires!
Myths or Facts II
"In the spring, the ground is wet. The fire danger is low!" Think again!
In Quebec, the majority of wildfires occur in the spring!
Learn more about other high-risk activities
Campfires
Around 60 wildfires per year originate from a campfire that was either uncontrolled or not completely extinguished.
Smoking articles
Every year, about 80 wildfires are caused by cigarette butts, matches, and other smoking items.
Hot ashes
Every year, SOPFEU has to intervene in fires caused by still-hot ashes disposed near the forest.