Spring is a dangerous time for outdoor fires

April is here and with it came a seasonal requirement that has been around longer than I have, but of which some residents are unaware. Burn permits are required for outdoor open burns that are larger than a burn barrel, campfire or cooking fire. The permitting process is done through the state Division of Forestry, but you can pick up the paperwork and information at your local fire departments. Nearly all combustibles that aren’t a hazardous material are permitted to be burned, with an appropriate permit and safety measures. Fires permits are broken down into two categories, and are required to be mitigated differently. Class A, the most common, is a fire up to 4-by-10 feet or less than one acre of lawn/field. Class B is a fire that exceeds those guidelines.

Preparation

Open burns require some measure of preparation. This can take just a quick visual check, or may require a week or more of planning and waiting for the right weather.

• Be sure to test your water supply. You do not want to find out the water is shut-off at the house faucet or that the hose is cracked when you need it most.

• Be wary of wind. High winds can carry ash and debris into the forest and start a wildfire.

• Surround the fire with prepared land. Ensure there is at least 35 feet of cleared land.

• Make sure no trees hang over where the smoke from the fire will travel. Where smoke goes, so will the fire ash.

One of the biggest concerns is the “fire break.” This is the space around where the fire will be burning. A burn permit is required to be at least 35 feet around in all directions, with 50 feet recommended. This does not have to be bare soil, however. Any fire-resistant plants, trees, and flora is as effective. Contact your local fire department or the Division of Forestry for information about FireWise. FireWise is a national program that assists homeowners in making their homes safer and their land more fire-resistant without it being bare or boring.

When planning a burn, remember that even though April and May are cooler and more moist, those months are just as dangerous in Alaska forests as June and July. This is because as the snow recedes, the dead leaves and grass from last year are exposed and not covered by new growth yet. Try to maximize use of rainy days and snowy fields for your open burns.

When igniting

the fire

• An adult should always be present and children and pets should be kept a safe distance away.

• Use kindling to start the fire and add progressively larger pieces of wood.

• Avoid using paper to start a fire during windy days, and make sure kindling is heavy enough to stay in place.

• Never use a road flare to start a fire, as it may burn into the ground and begin a smoldering fire without you knowing.

• Never use gasoline, kerosene or any other flammable liquid to start a fire.

• Burn one small pile at a time and slowly add to it. Keep the fire under control.

While the fire

is burning

• A responsible adult must attend the fire until it is completely extinguished.

• Have fire extinguishing materials on hand including a water supply, shovels and rakes.

• Heavy equipment, if available, is as important as water; try to have both.

• More water. Water can be supplied via pressurized water fire extinguishers, a pump can or garden hose.

Putting the fire out

The biggest hazard to controlled fires is not making sure it is completely extinguished. The fires can burn into the peat below the visible ground and smolder for days, weeks or even months. Some wildland fires have been caused by this smoldering.

For us, when you dial 911 to report a fire is starting to get out of control is much easier to respond to than calling 911 to report a fire that has spread to a couple acres in size and you tried to put it our but couldn’t. Fire departments and wildland firefighters are here to help and prevent disasters. No one wants another Millers Reach #2 Fire —the 1996 wildland fire that struck Houston and Big Lake and destroyed more than 200 homes — so keep a phone with you to call us if necessary.

To inquiry further, find out how to obtain a burn permit, or notify the agencies that you will be burning some brush, call your local fire department or the Division of Forestry at 761-6300. This is the Palmer office and is a local call within the Mat-Su Borough.

Christian M. Hartley is a lieutenant and responder with the Houston Fire Department, as well as the public information officer and training officer. Questions are welcome at hartley@myopinionmatters.org.