Burn Barrels

If you burn forest litter or debris often, build and use a good incinerator.

How to Build a Safe Incinerator (Burn Barrel)

1. Select a site at least five metres from anything that could catch on fire, like trees, overhanging branches, or piles of debris. Clear an area two metres around the incinerator down to mineral soil.
2. Use a metal barrel in good condition.
3. A heavy metal mesh must be put on top of the incinerator. Mesh size must be less than five mm. Weight the screen with a rock or brick to stop it from falling off your incinerator. Without a mesh cover, a hot fire can spread burning sparks.
4. Material will burn more quickly and cleanly if the incinerator has good air flow. To create this, punch holes about seven centimeters above the bottom of the barrel. Punch a few more holes slightly higher and insert steel rods or pipes to support the material to be burned.
5. Keep a shovel, rake and water nearby.
6. Monitor any fire burning in the incinerator.