Leaf Burning Facts….  Consider the Following

Consider the health consequences. . . . . The open burning of leaves produces a number of toxic, irritant, and carcinogenic (cancer causing) compounds. Infants, the elderly, asthmatics and persons with chronic heart and lung disease are at special risk.

Consider your neighbors. . . . . The smoke and smell of burning leaves can ruin an otherwise beautiful Fall day for your neighbors.

Consider yourself and your family. . . . . Tending leaf fires exposes you directly to the smoke and pollutants. Once inhaled, these microscopic particles can remain in your lungs for months or even years.

Consider the environment. . . . . Whether from a smokestack or a pile of burning leaves, air pollution degrades our environment. Leaf burning results in a number of undesirable by-products including sulfur dioxide which contributes to the acidification of lakes and streams and damages trees and crops.

• Shred leaves with your lawn mower and leave them on your lawn…it’s great fertilizer.
• Place leaves on gardens and around flower beds…it’s great mulch.
• Compost your leaves…it’s easier than you think…for details on the Web, go to http://id.essortment.com /compostpilehow_rhqb.htm.
• Subscribe to landscape waste collection services offered by Grimm Bros. Trucking…call
  444-8900 for details.
• A new, bulk leaf pickup service is now privately offered in Washington…call 444-9475 for details.

þ Burn only dry materials that combust efficiently….wet materials burn poorly, smolder and emit more harmful smoke.
þ Don’t burn on windy days or days when the wind blows directly toward nearby neighbors.
þ Burning several small fires is preferable to one large one as the leaves will burn faster, reducing air pollution.
þ Burn during daylight hours only.
þ Do not burn in the street.
þ Keep all fires at least 20 feet from buildings and a safe distance from other combustible items.
þ Always attend and control the fire…have a hose or water source nearby.
þ Make sure your fire is completely out by sunset.

Reminder: Washington’s Fall Brush Pickup Service is scheduled to begin October 20, 2008.