Handling Petroleum to Start Brush Fires Safely
Summer is prime time for outdoor cleanup and yard maintenance—and that often means disposing of brush and garden waste. In rural areas, controlled outdoor burning is a common practice, but safety must always come first. At Rockingham Petroleum, we want to remind our community of the safe and proper way to use petroleum products when starting brush fires—and how to do so responsibly and legally.
Use Diesel—Not Gasoline
One of the most important safety rules: never use gasoline to start a brush fire. Gasoline is highly volatile and can ignite explosively, causing serious injury. Instead, use diesel fuel, which ignites more slowly and burns in a more controlled manner. Many experienced landowners prefer a diesel-soaked kindling method because it offers greater safety when starting a fire.
Rockingham Petroleum offers quality diesel fuel that’s perfect for this type of application. If you’re unsure what to use, talk with our staff—we’re happy to help.
Check Permit Requirements
Before lighting a brush fire, always check with your local fire department or county office to see if a burn permit is required. In Virginia, burn laws vary by location and time of year, and some counties may have burn bans in place during hot or dry weather.
Burning without a permit can lead to fines or legal action, and more importantly, it increases the risk of a fire getting out of control.
Prepare to Monitor and Extinguish
Once your fire is lit, it’s critical to stay with it until it’s completely extinguished. Never leave a fire unattended. Keep a water source, shovel, or fire extinguisher nearby to control the fire’s size and to douse any stray sparks or embers. A fire that gets out of hand can spread rapidly in summer heat, even if you think the conditions are safe.
Plan to burn in the early morning or late evening, when winds are calm and temperatures are lower. Always clear a wide area around your burn pile to reduce the chance of flames spreading.
At Rockingham Petroleum, your safety comes first. Whether you need diesel fuel, equipment advice, or safety tips, our team is here to support your summer projects. Stop by one of our convenient locations or give us a call to learn more.
Keep our community safe—burn smart and burn responsibly.