Use caution when burning during Spring fire season.

 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.

• 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