[barryboy08]

Does anyone here know what are the regulations for controled burns in PA? I was looking to do a small plot this summer to help with some invasive plants on our property.

 

[Killin'time]

generally fire doesn't kill invasives... what kind of invasives you trying to control? Fire can make them worse... most invasives have a seed bank that remains viable for years... once you burn, it's just preparing the seed bed and the seeds will pop up and you're back with invasives again. some invasives will root sprout vigoursly, and only compound the problem. the best way is herbicide treatment, especially if it's a small area. herbicide will go straight to the roots killing the entire plant. you may have to spot spray the following years to exhaust the seed bank...

 

[grapevine]

What type of invasives are you talking about?

 

[C R O W]

Open burning is actually illegal in the entire state of PA. However, some boroughs(if you live in one) have set up ordinances for burning. Contact them and go from there.

 

[Bountyhunter62]

If you do a controlled burn yourself and the fire gets away and spreads. You would be cited for all the damage it would incur. Whether it be acreage lost, structural even some fire dept. response.

If you have a Rural Fire Dept. nearby, contact them about your plan. They may do the controlled burn for you and your covered. Give them a Donation afterwards.

 

[Featherduster]

The PC name for it is PRescribed Fire or RX Fire. Theory is once it's lit it's not under control technically.

Timing of the year and stage of weed growth is critical for success with fire just like herbicide.

Someone posted fire is not legal in PA. In fact it is legal. For the full unabridged rules on RX fire visit the Pa Prescribed Fire Council Website. They have a copy of the legislation that was passed in 2009 I believe allowing RX fire with a ton of rules. You should check it out to decide if it works for you. The required burn plan and all it's components are very detailed and involved and are not something any landowner can typically tackle unassisted.

There are companies out there who can be hired to assist you with a burn but it is not free. The easiest one to access is actually Pheasants Forever. They have a burn team that can be hired to show up and do your burn. There is another co named Silvix who specializes in RX fire.

NRCS offers a cost share option for RX fire and the burn plan provided you enrol your property in a program like WHIP, EQIP-Forestry, or GWW.

RX Fire is a subject that could have a forum on here of it's own it's got so many components.

Shoot me a P.M. if you need some names and #'s.

 

[barryboy08]

Hey thanks everyone for the information

 

[Lynnappelman]

Open burning is actually illegal in the entire state of PA. However, some boroughs(if you live in one) have set up ordinances for burning. Contact them and go from there.

This is no longer true. There are regulations now for controlled burns in PA. You can contact the PGC, Pheasants Forever, Forest Service and others that do controlled burns. You need a burn plan and trained workers to do the burn and rules include contacting local fire depts etc. before the burn is done. If you burn with a burn plan, you are protected from criminal prosection if your burn gets out of control and damages property.