In article , Gordon
writes
My pepper crop this year was destroyed by earwigs. Instead of composting
the plants I left them in a pile at the end of the season. My intention is
to burn them all but the only place I have to use is my vegetable plot.

Why do you want to burn them rather than compost them?

Would it be safe to have a small fire here or would it in some way destroy
the quality of the top soil?

No, it won't do any harm. And may do a microscopic amount of good by
adding potash to the soil.
--
Kay
"Do not insult the crocodile until you have crossed the river"