Wildfire Season; Debris Burning is Leading Reason for Human-Caused Fires

Clatsop is raising awareness of the dangers of burning.

"Debris burning is the leading reason for human-caused fires," said Justin Gibbs, Clatsop County emergency management director. "We urge you to avoid burning yard debris this summer. We can significantly reduce the risk of a large wildfire by waiting to burn or taking extra steps to control a fire."

Fire managers increased the fire danger level to High (yellow) for recreationists using the forests in the NW-2 and NW-3 weather zones. Burn barrels and residential campfires are not allowed in NW-2 and NW-3 under when fire danger is High.

How you dispose of your yard debris could prevent a large wildfire.

Consider composting, chipping, or covering your pile until it's safer to burn. Or haul it to a recycling center.

If you cannot safely burn your yard debris, cover your pile to let it dry out over the summer. Then burn it in the fall when it is safe again.

If you must burn:

1. Call your local fire agencybefore you burn, to make sure there are not any restrictions or requirements
2. Check the weather forecast
3. Clear a 10-feet circle around your pile
4. Always have a hose connected to a water supply, or have a water source available, and keep a shovel nearby
5. Never use gasoline
6. Burn yard debris only
7. Stay with your burn. Never leave it unattended
8. Make sure your fire is dead out and cold to the touch

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has an online mapshowing fire prevention restrictions.

If you do burn and it gets away from you, it could be costly. If your debris burn spreads out of control, you may have to pay for suppression costs and damages to your neighbors' properties which can be extremely expensive.

For more information on debris burningand wildfire prevention, visit KeepOregonGreen.org, or your local fire department or fire district.

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