During the coming months, many of us will be diligent in clearing a defensible space around our homes and outbuildings. Once we’ve gotten those branches, pine needles, brush cuttings and leaves piled high, it won’t be a good idea to just leave them where they lie … not only are they eye sores and great places for snakes to make their homes, but they can be a fire’s best chance to spread.
The first thing we’ll need to do is get a burn permit. This is crucial because on Red Flag Warning days, it’s just too hazardous for burning anything, even in a wood stove or fireplace. A nice gust of wind could carry sparks from our burn sites to grass or brush a considerable distance away, and then we could be in big trouble. Not only will we have to deal with the fire damage and possible injuries, but we could get slapped with a fine for the illegal burn.
If we need to fill out a controlled burn permit, we can either stop by the Spanish Peaks Fire Station in Aguilar on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, or call the station at 941-4107. This phone is always answered.
It’s illegal to burn pretty much anything other than what we’ve cleared from trees or shrubs, so we’ll have to forget about torching those old tires or that stack of plastic bottles and containers we’ve been meaning to take to the landfill. Besides, some of those things give off toxic fumes when burned.
The next article – How to Burn Debris Safely, Part Two – will cover how to prepare the burn site and will be posted at a later date.
Posted by Colleen C.
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