Open burn season ends in about a week, so it was time to gather up all the branches that had been pruned from our orchard and burn them. As usual, we had to move them from the orchard up to our neighbors’ land, where we’ve traditionally burned our yard and garden trimmings. We’ve been waiting for a (relatively) warm day with no wind, and today was it.
We borrowed a friend’s truck to haul the massive pile of branches. It only took two loads, which was nice.
Then we broke out the propane tank and flamethrower so we could show the ladies how to take care of the pile in the fall, when we’re gone. Plus, who doesn’t love using a flamethrower on a huge pile of branches? Kyra lit it up.
But… nothing.
We all took turns torching the lower branches, even turning up the gas until it was a roaring flame. They blackened, but didn’t burn. Not to be outdone by a bunch of cherry wood, I took out our gallon bottle of lighter fluid and sprayed it on the branches. Flames whooshed where the lighter fluid hit, but quickly faded. Growing more frustrated, I grabbed a canister of gasoline we use for the lawnmower and tossed a couple gallons onto the branches. The bursts of flame were more impressive, but unfortunately they vanished as quickly as they’d come. The branches simply wouldn’t burn!
Obviously the problem was our lack of any grass or brush; in past burns we’ve had massive piles of trimmings from the lawnmower and the garden plants. This time it was only the cherry prunings, and they’re remarkably resistant to fire. I guess the ladies will just need to look at this pile every time they come up the driveway, and take care of it in the fall when they’ve had a few seasons to add grass to it…