Yuma, Arizona - Some of our recent fires were trash and yard debris fire, both happen way too often. Burning trash and large bonfires are not allowed without permits. A bonfire within residential neighborhoods can be a nuisance and a hazard. Keep recreational fires small (3’ x 3’ in diameter, or less) and don’t burn trash, or anything that will give off heavy smoke or toxic fumes.

Fires too close to combustible materials and property lines pose the risk of serious fire spread, especially under windy conditions. Un-permitted fires are unlawful and also result in many unnecessary Fire Department responses.

You can also reduce the risk to you and your neighbors by keeping your property free of dry, dead vegetation and other flammable or combustible debris. This can avoid a small fire in the yard becoming a large fire threatening your home and neighborhood.

So, use a grill, a fireplace, or fire pit, and keep cooking/heating fires small and attended (and fully extinguished after use). Also, be aware of weather conditions, such as the wind speed and direction.

For more information about fire and injury prevention classes we offer, contact the Yuma Fire Department Public Information Office at 928-373-4855