The N.C. Forest Service defines March through May as Spring wildfire season and cautions residents to be careful when burning during this time of year.
Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler sits down each week with Southern Farm Network’s Mike Davis to discuss “Today’s Topic.”
As the temperatures warm up, people are
getting out in their yards, clearing out debris from gardens, flower beds and woody
areas.
Some
will take the opportunity to burn the yard waste, which is why the N.C. Forest
Service cautions residents to use care when burning during the Spring wildfire
season.
Windy, dry conditions make it easier for
a yard fire to get out of control and spread. It happens more than people think.
Every year, almost 40 percent of
wildfires in North Carolina are the result of careless debris burning.
Which is why you should never leave a debris fire unattended, and
always have a water source and phone nearby in case you need them.
Depending on the debris, it may make
more sense to compost. For example, leaves, grass and stubble can add nutrients
to the soil as compost or mulch.
If you do decide to burn, the N.C. Forest
Service offers the following tips:
Check local burning laws. Some
communities allow burning only during specified hours. Others forbid it
entirely.
Make sure you have a valid permit.
You can obtain a burn permit at any open authorized permitting agent or online
at www.ncforestservice.gov/burnpermit.
Don’t pile vegetation on the ground.
Instead, place it in a cleared area and contain it in a screened receptacle
away from overhead branches and wires. Keep your pile small, not tall.
Keep an eye on the weather and possible weather changes.
Postpone outdoor burning during high winds or gusts, or periods of low relative
humidity. Even if you have a valid permit, stop burning if strong winds
develop. It is too easy for a spark to travel and unintentionally spread a fire
in windy conditions.
Be sure you are fully prepared before
burning. To control the fire, you will need a hose, bucket, steel rake and a
shovel for tossing dirt on the fire. Keep a phone nearby, too.
Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel
fuel or other flammable liquids to speed up debris burning.
Stay with your fire until it is
completely out.
The old saying is an ounce of prevention is
worth a pound of cure. I urge residents to do their part when burning to
protect our natural resourc