DEC advises to avoid burning brush in northern Franklin Co.

Residents of northern Franklin County should avoid burning brush during early spring when environmental conditions create an increased likelihood of causing a wildfire, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers today advised.

Every spring forest rangers and firefighters respond to hundreds of wildfires caused by debris burning. In fact, debris burning is the most common preventable cause of wildfires in New York State. The lack of green vegetation, plenty of available fuels such as dry grass and leaves, warm temperatures, sun and winds are all contributing causes that can allow wildfires to start easily and spread quickly.

These wildfires could be prevented with safe burning practices and the consideration of alternatives such as chipping, composting, or just waiting to burn until the growth of new green vegetation later in the spring.

If you decide to burn your brush in the spring, consider burning when conditions are more favorable such as during or soon after a rain event, when there is little or no wind to spread the flames, and remember never leave a fire unattended and always be sure the fire is completely out!

Some other important brush fire safety tips to know:

Check and obey all local laws and ordinances;

Burn only woody material such as leaves, grass and light brush;

Never burn garbage, it creates a public health hazard and is illegal in most places;

Do not burn on windy days or when wind is expected;

Burn early in the morning when the humidity is high and winds are low;

Clear all flammable material for a distance of 10 to 15 feet around the material to be burned;

Keep piles to be burned small, adding small quantities of material as burning progresses; and

Always have a garden hose, shovel, water bucket or other means to extinguish the fire close at hand.

Follow these steps to ensure a fire is extinguished: 1) Drown the fire with water making sure all materials, embers and coals are wet; 2) Stir the remains, add more water, and stir again.

More information on wildfire prevention may be found on the NY Firewise web pages at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/public/42524.html .

Wildfire prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Do your part to keep New York safe from wildfires.