Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 13/02/2008 15:00

Periodic burning of heather, gorse and grass is advantageous for agriculture and wildlife conservation
BUT
It can be dangerous to those carrying out the burn and to others if not done correctly and responsibly. Legislation exists to ensure that it is.

BURNING MUST NOT BE DONE:
At the wrong time of the year
Under the wrong conditions
Without proper control
Without due regard to people, property, wildlife and woodland

Burning is only allowed between:
1 November 31 March in Lowlands
1 October 15 April in Uplands
At other times under a licence that can be obtained only in very specific circumstances
You must not give less than 1 day or more than 7 days written notice of intent to burn to:
Neighbours
Owners and occupiers of the land

You must not start burning between sunset and sunrise
You must ensure that sufficient people and equipment are on hand to control the burn
You must take all reasonable precautions to prevent injury or damage to people & animals
You must follow special arrangements and plan well in advance if burning on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
You must not cause a nuisance through the creation of smoke
You must not create dark smoke
You must not start a fire which is likely to injure, interrupt or endanger road users

PUBLIC SAFETY
Do not create hazards to road users and the public
Do not burn when the direction of the wind is likely to cause hazard or annoyance from smoke or smuts

REMEMBER . . .
Inform Fire Control on 01872 320205 when you intend to start your Controlled Burning
Give them the ADDRESS of the controlled burning; YOUR NAME and a TELEPHONE NUMBER so that they can easily contact you.
START EARLY
FINISH BEFORE DARK
JUDGE THE WEATHER