Firefighters knock down early debris pile blazes

Dry fuels and high winds contributed to two fires near Sisters last week, according to Dave Wheeler, fire marshal for the Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District.

“On March 16, we had a quarter acre between Sisters High School and Tollgate. There also was a one-acre fire off Harrington Loop east of town. Both fires were escaped debris burning fires,” he added.

District crews responded to knock the blazes down.

A winter with far below normal snowfall and what looks like an early spring means that residents of the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District need to practice extra caution with all outdoor burning, Wheeler said.

“This is a good time for everyone to review the rules for all outdoor fires in the Sisters-Camp Sherman fire district,” he said.

“First, there are two types of permits: a debris burning permit and a recreational campfire permit. Since most people are doing debris burning, there are important steps to follow and rules to observe in this type of burning.”

Wheeler reviewed the following steps for debris burning:

• Visit the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District to obtain a burning permit.

• Always call 549-2333 to learn if burning is allowed on that specific day and with what restrictions.

• Have a shovel and a supply of water of at least 10 gallons or a charged hose nearby.

• Burn piles should be no larger than six feet by six feet by six feet.

• The fire must not be within 25 feet of a structure.

• After burning begins, stop burning if one or more of the following exist: 1) temperature above 95 degrees. 2) wind velocity above 10 mph. 3) humidity below 20percent.

• Never leave an outdoor fire unattended.

• No burning after dark.

• Make sure your fire is completely out.

Recreational campfire permits are required for a cooking fire, lighting, ceremonial or aesthetic purpose that is hand-built and not for debris burning, Wheeler added.

Requirements for these fires include:

• The fire must not be within 25 feet of a structure or combustible material.

• Maintain a firebreak around the fire.

• The fire should not be more than three feet in diameter and two feet or less in height.

• Fires shall be attended at all times by a responsible person with a shovel and a water supply of at least 10 gallons.

• Make sure that the fire is completely out.

If any fire burns out of control, call 911 emergency services immediately.

Call your local fire department for more information: Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Department, 549-0771, Black Butte Fire Department, 595-2288, or Cloverdale Fire Department at 548-4815.