There are very specific rules that are in place and enforced by both Pennsylvania DEP and the Office of the State Fire Commissioner relating to fire training in an acquired structure.  Though it had been quite common in past decades to utilize acquired structures for local fire training, this practice is now closely regulated.  Failure to follow these regulations may result in severe penalties.

The process required to conduct live fire training in an acquired structure involves the completion of Form 2700-PM-BAQ0002 in its entirety and submission to PA DEP along with a copy to US EPA.  Additionally, the training must be conducted as part of the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy (PSFA) local level training program or be accepted by the PSFA.

DEMOLITION BY FIRE CANNOT BE AUTHORIZED BY ANY MUNICIPALITY, ELECTED OFFICIAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, FIRE CHIEF OR COUNTY DEPARTMENT OR AGENCY!  PA DEP WILL PURSUE ACTION IN ALL SUCH VIOLATIONS.

PA DEP states that clearing and grubbing wastes may be burned subject to the following requirements:

• Air curtain destructors shall be used when burning clearing and grubbing wastes.
• Each proposed use of air curtain destructors shall be reviewed and approved by the Department in writing with respect to equipment arrangement, design and existing environmental conditions prior to commencement of burning. Proposals approved under this subparagraph need not obtain plan approval or operating permits under Chapter 127 (relating to construction, modification, reactivation and operation of sources).
• Approval for use of an air curtain destructor at one site may be granted for a specified period not to exceed 3 months, but may be extended for additional limited periods upon further approval by the Department.
• The Department reserves the right to rescind approval granted if a determination by the Department indicates that an air pollution problem exists.
• Authorization for open burning does not apply to clearing and grubbing wastes transported from an air basin for disposal outside of an air basin.

Pennsylvania DEP has been very specific in details related to open burning at commercial operations.  No commercial operation may conduct open burning unless the operator is in possession of a valid "Permit" issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, detailing under what conditions the burning may occur.  Complaints about the burning of construction waste, building materials, trash, waste materials, flooring, roofing materials, furniture, tires, wire & cable, painted wood, structures, vehicles or machinery should immediately be reported to Pennsylvania DEP - North East Regional Office at 570-826-2511.

GIVING NOTIFICATION TO THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY 911 COMMUNICATIONS CENTER OF YOUR CONTROLLED BURN (FOR WHATEVER PURPOSE) DOES NOT IMPLY THAT YOU HAVE PERMISSION TO CONDUCT THE BURN.

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has published explicit regulations regarding the burning of certain materials.  A municipality may enact more stringent regulations; however, the municipality may not establish less restrictive rules for open burning.

Pennsylvania law allows open burning of “domestic refuse” as long as the fire is on the property of a structure occupied solely as a residence by two families or less and when the refuse results from the normal occupancy of the structure. “Domestic refuse” does not include such items as demolition waste, insulation, shingles, treated wood, paint, painted or stained objects or furniture, tires, mattresses, box springs, metal, insulating coating on wire, television sets and appliances, automobiles, automotive parts, batteries, PVC products, waste oil, and other petroleum products.

Complaints about the burning of construction waste, building materials, trash, waste materials, flooring, roofing materials, furniture, tires, wire & cable, painted wood, structures, vehicles or machinery should immediately be reported to Pennsylvania DEP - North East Regional Office at 570-826-2511.

GIVING NOTIFICATION TO THE SCHUYLKILL COUNTY 911 COMMUNICATIONS CENTER OF YOUR CONTROLLED BURN (FOR WHATEVER PURPOSE) DOES NOT IMPLY THAT YOU HAVE PERMISSION TO CONDUCT THE BURN.