Fire officials to open burning season

Fire officials are tentatively set to open burning season on local fire districts on Saturday, October 18. That date is subject to change based on conditions.

Contact your local fire district before burning.

Local fire officials encourage all residents to check their burn piles and make sure there is no life left in them. Never leave a fire unattended and make sure it is dead out.

You are responsible for your fire and could be held liable for damage or suppression if the fire escapes.

If you choose to burn your yard debris, take some steps to lower your risk and the risk of an escape:

• Check with your local fire department before you do any burning. Is burning allowed? If so, do you need a burn permit? If you do, can you meet the requirements of that permit?

• Do you know the predicted weather conditions for the day you want to burn and for the following three days?

• Do you have the proper hand tools (shovel, hoses, etc.), a supply of water and the people to use them on-site?

• Are you prepared to stay with the fire until it is completely out?

• Place your debris pile in a cleared opening away from trees, overhead branches or powerlines, and away from structures.

• Make sure you have a "fire line" down to mineral soil around your debris pile.

If you are burning in a burn barrel:

• Check with your local fire department before you do any burning; many require a permit: Sisters-Camp Sherman RFPD, 549-2333; Black Butte Ranch Fire Department, 595-2288; Cloverdale Fire District, 548-4815.

• Place it at least 10 feet from combustible materials or vegetation and maintain the area through the growing season.

• Have a metal screen with openings no larger than one-quarter inch.

• Ventilate and screen the vented area at the bottom of the barrel to create a draft that will allow the fire to burn hot with less smoke.