Prevent wildfires by disposing of yard waste responsibly — Here’s what to do

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. — Fire crews have been working around the clock to put out the brush fire ravaging areas of 14th Avenue in Golden Gate Estates.

More than 900 acres have burned and as of Wednesday morning and the brush fire is 80 percent contained.

Fire officials are remininding people who live in areas prone to brush fires that burning yard debris is strongly discouraged, espescially during the dry season.

Yard waste fires that get out of hand are one of the leading causes of wildfires in Florida, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture.

Also, burning household garbage like paper and lumber is illegal. If your waste fire ends up starting a wildfire, you may be liable for costs of suppression and any property damage the fire causes.

If you want to safely dispose of yard waste, there’s three safe options:

1. Bundle it: Bundles should weigh less than 50 pounds, be secured with twine, and no longer than 4 feet. Branches may not be larger than 4 inches in diameter.
2. Bag it: Use ONLY paper yard waste bags or paper grocery bags. Plastic bags will not be accepted. Put all leaves, grass, and other trimmings in bags.
3. Container it: You may use 45-gallon personal containers that weigh less than 50 pounds when filled. The yard waste may not extend more than 12 inches over the top of the container.

Collier County Solid Waste officials said that residents can also take their trash to the county landfill or Immokalee transfer station.

The Golden Gate Estates fire is still active, so avoid the area if possible.

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