Cavalier County has issued the following procedures for landowners, contractors, equipment operators, and outdoor enthusiasts when engaged in open area controlled burning situations.
The following procedures are to ensure that open burning is coordinated with the proper authorities for maximum safety to both people and property.
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Contact the Cavalier County Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) at 256-2555 before a controlled open burn is started so that emergency responders are not dispatched for reports of fire, when in fact it is a controlled burn. Be prepared to give your name, contact number, location of the controlled burn and anticipated duration of the burn. After the burning is completed and the fire is out, contact the PSAP again at 256-2555 to inform them of the completion. PLEASE DO NOT burn when the fire danger index is VERY HIGH, EXTREME OR WHEN THERE IS A RED FLAG WARNING. Contact your fire district chief when doing a controlled burn also, the list of chiefs is available here.
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Controlled burns need to be physically manned and monitored at all times. Once the fire has been started, do not leave the site unattended until the fire is completely out.
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Be prepared if the fire gets out of hand! Call 9-1-1 immediately and have resources available to mitigate the effects (e.g. tractor, digger, shovels, etc.).
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A recreational fire can be an enjoyable outdoor activity when conducted safely. When burning a recreational fire on your property, remember to be a good neighbor. You are responsible for keeping your family, your friends, neighbors and children safe. The intent of these guidelines is to prevent fire hazards and ensure that your recreational fire is safe and enjoyable.
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What is the correct size and location for my recreational fire?Recreational fires shall be limited in size to 3-feet-wide by 3-feet-high and must be at least 25 feet from any combustible structures such as homes, sheds, decks or fences.Exception: Portable, screened fire vessels may be used within 25 feet of combustible structures provided they are positioned at a safe distance from said structures, located on anon-combustible surface (i.e.patio, driveway or bare ground), and the fire conforms to the 3×3-feet size limitation.The fire must be located on your own property. A responsible adult must be present at all times.
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What can I burn in my recreational fire?Only wood, minimum 1-inch in diameter may be burned. Prohibited items include: brush, yard waste, treated orpainted lumber, trash or rubbish.A means of controlling or extinguishing the fire must be available at all times, such as a garden hose or shovel, andloose dirt.The fire must be completely extinguished when unattended.
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You are urged to check the North Dakota Fire Danger Rating prior to any controlled burn. This information and current fire danger ratings are available on the following Web site: