Burn yard debris with care

This has been a great fall for Sisters area residents to burn pine needles, brush and other yard debris.

However, burning can be risky, according to David Wheeler, fire marshal for the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Department. Dry fuels, changing weather, and unattended burn piles may lead to an escaped fire.

“Outdoor burning requires a permit throughout the year,” Wheeler said. “In addition, you need to call your local fire department to be sure that it is a ‘burn day” when burning is allowed.”

Permits are available at the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Department, Cloverdale Fire Department and Black Butte Fire Department.

Before they burn, Wheeler and other members of the Central Oregon Fire Prevention Cooperative advise residents to make sure they comply with the conditions of their burning permit. This includes having available hand tools, at least a 10-gallon supply of water, an adequate firebreak, and someone to be with the burning until it is completely out.

“Weather conditions can change quickly in Central Oregon,” Wheeler said. “Even if it is a burn day, burning should not be done if the temperature goes about 95 degrees F., wind velocity is above 10 miles an hour, and the humidity drops below 20 percent.”

If a debris fire gets out of control, Wheeler urges residents to phone 9-1-1 immediately.

For more information, contact the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Department at 549-0771, the Cloverdale Fire Department at 548-4815 or the Black Butte Fire Department at 595-2288.