Falling for Leaf Burning

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

For some of us, fall is the favorite time of year.  There is a crispness in the air that rouses a sluggish body from the stifling days of heat and high humidity. The colors of fall foliage fill the air with almost fluorescent colors. The smells are pungent as Mother Nature drops leaves, seeds and nuts to find their new homes to ready for winter shelter and new life in the spring. There are apples and cider and pumpkins and squash and heady spices used in baking and mulling. And for many, there is the fall ritual of burning leaves.

With any type of burning, SERVPRO of Rockford would like you to remain safe in this leaf-burning activity:

• Where will you burn that hefty pile? Make certain that it is far enough away from buildings and other flammable materials.
• Be prepared! Make certain that you have a handy water supply, a metal rake to keep the leaves contained and a shovel to control escaping flaming materials.
• Be courteous of neighbors. Smoke that smells delightful to our senses, may contribute to another’s allergies, including asthmatic responses. Also, don’t burn with a breeze towards the neighbor’s house.
• Don’t burn on a windy day! This will send sparks and burning leaves to places you will not wish them to be, placing your property and possibly the neighbor's at risk.
• Be aware of local regulations regarding burning. Each community or county has its own regulations. Here are the links for the City of Rockford and Winnebago County:
  • https://library.municode.com/il/rockford/ordinances/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=964744
  • https://wincoil.us/departments/highway-department/highway-programs-information/leaf-informationburning-ordinance

Stay safe and enjoy your fall activities!