Hot Ash Can Program

Cool Your Ash Before You Trash

Each year, structure fires are started by ashes from fireplaces, wood stoves, or outdoor fire pits that weren’t thoroughly cooled before being thrown away. Many people underestimate the amount of time it takes for ashes to cool before they can be disposed of. Coal and ashes can remain hot enough to reignite and start a fire for many days. To help keep our community safe, Boise Fire is offering free Hot Ash Cans—durable metal containers designed for the safe storage of ashes until they’re completely cold.

Hot ash was disposed of in a plastic trash can outside, leading to a fire that caused significant damage to a house.

Pickup Information

Residents can pick up a Hot Ash Can from City Hall West (333 N. Mark Stall Place, Boise 83704) during business hours.

Office hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. We are closed on holidays.

Supplies are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents must have proof of residence within Boise Fire’s service area. There is a limit of 1 can per household.

We recommend calling ahead before stopping by: 208-570-6500

Ash from a charcoal grill was placed near the fencing, which caught the fencing and the hot tub on fire.

Hot Ash Safety Tips:

Allow ashes to cool in the area of the fire. Four days are recommended.
Soak the ashes with water, stirring to ensure all hot spots are extinguished.
Place ashes in a tightly covered metal container.
Keep the metal ash container outdoors and at least 10 feet away from your home, other buildings, and combustible materials
Dump ashes after they’ve cooled for at least one week.

NEVER empty the hot ash into a plastic trash can, cardboard box, or paper bag!

Send a Message to Fire Prevention

If this is an emergency, please call 911.