The sound of mowers and the smell of fresh cut grass are sure signs that spring is here. The weather has been good for getting out in the yard and doing some spring cleanup. Chipping, composting or taking debris to the land fill are the preferred options for debris disposal. For many people, cleaning up will include some debris burning. This is one of the best times of year for the public to burn, but it still has a degree of risk. Debris burning is one of the leading causes of wildfires in the Coos Forest Protective Association (CFPA) district. CFPA’s Prevention Specialist, John Flannigan warns, “What catches most people off guard this time of year is how long a burned pile can stay hot. They don’t see smoke so they assume the fire is out, but then the afternoon winds come up and it blows embers into nearby fuels. A hand pile can stay hot for a couple of days. A larger machine pile can stay hot for months. Another common cause is inadequate clearing around the burn. Often the area looks green but there is enough dead grass or brush to carry the fire to more receptive fuels.” said Flannigan. If burning is part of your spring cleaning, follow these tips: • Get a permit if required; • clear an area one and one half times the expected flame length; • know the weather forecast and avoid the wind and drying trends; • stay in attendance of the burn; • have tools and water available; • and extinguish the pile before you leave. CFPA will do a complementary inspection to ensure your burn is safe if requested. An appointment can be set up by calling 541-267-3161. A well-maintained property is nice for the whole community but a wildfire threatens everyone. Be safe.
