Open Burning

Safety Tips for Residents who conduct open burning

Residents of Upper Uwchlan Township as of August 2014 are NO LONGER to conduct opening burning. The only permitted open type burning is limited to cooking purposes, campfires, or agricultural purposes. Upper Uwchlan residents may NOT burn leaves, yard waste or compost, recyclables, stumps, or any other material of the type. If you have any questions please contact Upper Uwchlan Township for further. Residents that live in East Nantmeal have no permits or burning ordinance but still have to follow state EPA guidelines.

1. First and foremost, any resident that conducts outdoor open burning needs to contact the Chester County Fire Dispatch center and advise of the burn. They will ask for your name, address of burn, phone number, etc... This needs to be done prior to burning to prevent the fire company from being dispatched to your property. A passerby or neighbor may see fire from your property and think it is an emergency and call 911. The number to the fire radio room is 610-933-8968. You must call them prior to burning and when you are done.
2. Do not burn within 50 feet of any structure on your property. This could result in damage to the buildings if you are too close.
3. Do not burn on windy days. This could result in the "controlled" fire to become out of control and a danger to yourself and others.
4. Residents need to have a water supply near the fire and should also have some rakes and shovels nearby to help keep the fire contained.
5. There should be at least one adult with the fire the entire time of the burn. Unsupervised fires can be a danger to your property and neighbors if not constantly checked.
6. Do NOT use flammable gases or flammable products to get the fire started. This will result in serious injury and possible explosions. Use newspaper or such to help get the fire started if needed.
7. Remember, your neighbor’s quality of life may be affected by your burning. Smoke does not stay confined just to your property. Check weather conditions first prior to burning. Be a good neighbor and limit how long you burn for.
8. Fires should not be allowed to burn overnight. After dusk, fires should be completely out and covered, if possible.
9. Residents are NOT permitted to burn construction material, tires, paints, etc. If you have just recently remodeled your home, the hold construction debris must be disposed of in the trash, in the landfill. Any resident burning this type of stuff will risk being cited.
10. Do not burn inside wooded areas or any other area that may easily ignite other than the intended burn items.