State Officials Urging Caution During National Fire Prevention Week and Fall Fire Season

Press Release: Brian Haines
Published: October 4, 2008

RALEIGH – National Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 5-11 and the N.C. Division of Forest Resources is urging residents throughout the state to be careful with fire, especially during the upcoming fall fire season.

Fall wildfire season typically lasts from mid-October until mid-December. During the fall, people do a lot of yard work that includes burning leaves and yard debris. Sometimes, those yard fires escape and start wildfires. In fact, debris burning is the No. 1 cause of wildfires in North Carolina.

In 2007, 15,450 wildfires destroyed 36,959 acres in North Carolina. Of those, the 2,461 fires caused by careless debris burning charred 10,285 acres.

There are many factors to consider before doing any debris burning. The state Division of Forest Resources urges people to adhere to the following tips to protect property and prevent wildfires:

· Make sure you have a valid permit. You can obtain a burning permit at any Division of Forest Resources office or permitting agent or online at http://dfr.nc.gov/.

· Check with local officials. Outside burning may be prohibited.

· Check the weather. Don’t burn on dry, windy days.

· Local fire officials can recommend a safe way for burning debris. Don’t pile vegetation on the ground. Instead, it should be placed in a cleared area and contained in a screened receptacle, away from overhead branches and wires.

· Check local laws on burning debris. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours. Others forbid it entirely.

· Consider the alternatives to burning. Some types of debris, such as leaves, grass, and stubble may be of more value if they are not burned. Household trash should be hauled away to a recycling station.

· Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. To control the fire, you will need a hose, bucket and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire.

· Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed debris burning.

· Stay with your fire until it is completely out.

Studies have shown that adhering to these and other measures can reduce the possibility for wildfires.

For more information, go to http://dfr.nc.gov/, or contact Brian Haines, public information officer with the Division of Forest Resources, at (919) 218-9728.