Open Burning Season Opens
Photo by Jessica Waters Scattered heaps of trees and branches crackled with bright flames Friday night as open burning season got underway. Smoke from the various fires blanketed the valley to the east of Ronan. Special care should be taken when tending open fires - whether recreational or utilitarian in nature - due to the still-dry conditions
Ali Bronsdon, Leader Staff
Open burning season began Wednesday, Oct. 1. Permits are not required in order to burn during open burning season, but Curtis Matt, Fire Prevention Specialist with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe's Fire Management Division urges people to call his office first with their intended plans, including the planned fire location and time.
Informing the Lake County Sheriff's office of your plans is also a good idea, said Matt.
"It is awful dry yet," said Bob McCrea, acting director of the CSKT Fire Division. "We are supposed to get some showers this weekend and cool down from the mid-70s where we're at now to the lower sixties to high 50s. That will help us."
The key, according to McCrea, is to be extremely careful when burning.
"It will take off on you and burn very hot right now because it is so dry," he said. "You must have water sources out there to take care of that fire and don't ever walk away from it."
According to McCrea, a majority of the 100-plus fires battled by authorities this year were cause by humans - including the recent blaze in Valley Creek that burned more than 80 acres.
If a fire does get out of control, the person responsible may be held accountable for the cost of fighting that fire, McCrea added.
People, especially those enjoying weekend camping, fishing and other activities, need to take a good look at their camp fire and make sure it's completely out before they leave, Matt said.
For more information on open burning season and fire prevention, contact the CSKT Division of Fire at 676-2550.