It’s springtime in the Four Corners – traditional yard cleaning, clearing and fuel reduction season. After the long winter, it’s also a time when many people are enjoying being outside. To help ensure good air quality for all, San Juan Basin Health Department urges people to consider alternatives to open burning such as composting, chipping, or land-filling.

In general, burning man-made materials (i.e. plastics, rubber, fuels, oil, and household items such as mattresses) is prohibited due to the hazardous toxics released. However other materials when poorly burned can cause unnecessary degrading of our air quality as well. Leaves and grass clippings in particular do not burn well, causing excessive smoke.  We encourage composting these items.  If you must burn, burn smart by following these guidelines:

.Burn late in the morning, after the sun has risen   and air temperatures warm. 

• Burn only dry, high piles when burning slash and piled fuels.
• Remember: hot fires burn cleaner.

· Keep burn piles away from other combustible materials, away from streams and rivers; and always have fire extinguishing equipment nearby.

· Never allow piles to become larger than manageable.  Weather conditions may change quickly.

• Use extreme caution when you burn.  Have tools, necessary heavy equipment, and water available to control edges and vicinity of burn. 

Permits are mandatory for commercial applications (clearing land, etc.).No open burning is allowed in city limits. Open burning in the county, with standing agricultural exemptions, requires obtaining a permit. Please call Colorado Public Health and Environment at 303-692-3268.

To read the current state regulations regarding open burning, visit our website: www.sjbhd.org. Call San Juan Basin Health Department if you have any questions 247-5702 ext. 222 or ext. 242.