Safety & Responsibility

Biochar production involves fire, heat, tools, and changing environmental conditions. Safety and local responsibility take priority over participation.

Global Pumpkiln Day encourages careful, informed, and locally appropriate practice at all times.

Local Regulations

Participants are responsible for:

• Complying with local fire regulations

• Observing burn bans and seasonal restrictions

• Obtaining any required permissions

• Respecting local environmental rules

If open burning is restricted or conditions are unsuitable, participation should be postponed or adapted.

Fire Safety Principles

Pumpkiln use involves open flame, high temperatures, and combustion gases. Strict fire safety precautions are essential.

Biochar must never be produced inside a closed building, garage, shed, tent, or other enclosed or poorly ventilated space. The process generates carbon monoxide and other toxic gases that can accumulate and cause serious injury or death. Pumpkilns must always be operated outdoors and in well-ventilated conditions.

Basic precautions include:

• Never operate a kiln unattended

• Never operate a kiln indoors or in enclosed spaces

• Have water or extinguishing materials readily available

• Monitor wind and weather conditions

• Maintain a safe perimeter around the kiln

• Avoid dry, flammable surroundings

• Ensure a stable fire-resistant ground and secure placement of the kiln

Never burn alone if possible. Ensure others nearby are aware of the activity.

If conditions are unsafe, restricted, or uncertain, do not proceed.

Personal Safety

Participants should consider:

• Protective clothing

• Heat-resistant gloves

• Eye protection where appropriate

• Safe handling of hot materials

• Allowing sufficient cooling time before handling biochar

Biochar and metal surfaces may retain heat long after visible flames have subsided.

Environmental Considerations

Responsible practice includes:

• Using appropriate, clean biomass

• Avoiding treated or contaminated materials

• Minimising nuisance smoke

• Protecting surrounding soil and vegetation

Good stewardship extends beyond the burn itself.

Responsibility and Liability

Global Pumpkiln Day is an informal, decentralised observance. It does not provide supervision, instruction, certification, insurance, or liability coverage.

The organisers and contributors to this website accept no responsibility or liability for any activities undertaken in connection with Global Pumpkiln Day.

Participation is entirely voluntary and at the participant’s own risk.

All individuals and groups are solely responsible for:

• Assessing local conditions

• Complying with applicable laws and regulations

• Implementing appropriate safety measures

• Preventing harm to people, property, and the environment

If conditions are unsafe or uncertain, do not proceed.

Careful judgement and personal responsibility are essential.