Smoke: Public safety

Smoke over public roads creates visibility problems for motorists. Those responsible for the burn may be liable for injuries or accidents resulting from driving through the smoke. Burn near roads only with the wind blowing away from the road or under atmospheric conditions which will quickly lift smoke. If smoke is expected to be a problem on a road, extra crew members must be available to act as flaggers and traffic control on the road.

Avoid burning at night and complete any daytime burns well before dark. Cooling of the air at night causes smoke columns to collapse. Smoke over roads at night is a serious safety issue. Smoke will tend to hang close to the ground at night and will impact smoke sensitive areas.

Airports are particularly sensitive smoke receptors. Smoke can cause visibility problems and smoke columns create turbulence that may be an issue for light aircraft. Depending on the size of the airport, air space is controlled for a distance of two to five miles from the airport. If there is any question that smoke from your burn would impact an airport, contact Air Traffic Control for that airport for advice.