May 15, 2009
Weather forecasters are
calling for warm temperatures this weekend. While the warm weather is the
perfect time to begin working in the yard and cleaning up around the house,
local fire managers are spreading the word to heed caution if you plan to
burn yard debris. A few days of
sunshine in Douglas County is all it takes to dry out landscapes and make
them more susceptible to fire.
Residents should take extra caution when working with fire and refrain
altogether from burning piles that were constructed with heavy machinery.
These larger piles contain a significant amount of dirt and are more capable
of holding fire over long periods of time. Anyone who has already burned
piles this spring is encouraged to go back and make sure that they don’t
show any signs of smoke or heat. Old burn piles can hold fire for several
months and flare up again on a hot, windy day.
Before burning smaller piles, be sure and follow these steps:
·
Call your
local fire department to see if a burning permit is required. Burning
regulations are not the same in all areas.
·
Piles
should be completely surrounded by a fire trail scraped to mineral soil.
·
Have a
shovel and charged garden hose at the burn site. Refrain from burning
material that cannot be controlled with hand tools or a charged garden hose.
·
Do not
burn in areas that are inaccessible.
·
Avoid
burning during windy conditions.
·
Stay with
the fire until it is completely out.
·
Divide
large piles into smaller piles. Smaller piles burn quickly and efficiently
and are easier to control.
·
Remember,
unattended piles can spread quickly out of control. If your debris burn
escapes control, call 911 immediately. |
