Burning Issue: doing property burns safely

By DAVID REESE

Lake County Leader

For many rural landowners, spring burning is the best way to rid their property of weeds.

But for many landowners the spring burning can turn into a nightmare, as it did for one Polson resident whose ditch burning on Tuesday got out of control, into his lawn, shrubs, and neighbor’s property. Firefighters from Polson Volunteer Fire Department arrived on scene and extinguished the fire, only after it had destroyed much of the resident’s front yard. Karen Sargeant, information officer for Polson Fire Department, said there’s a right way and a wrong way to burn.

First, notify Lake County dispatch about your intentions. Then, check the weather. “If weather conditions are not premier, I will not burn,” Sargeant said.

On Tuesday, Sargeant looked out over the charred, blackened lawn and fenceposts on Flathead View Drive. “This is what happens,” she said. “People think it’s spring and it’s March” so it’s ok to burn.

Fires that are started in the morning will often flare up when winds kick up in the afternoon, she said. “Please watch the weather report,” she said. The fire on Flathead View was helped by strong winds out of the west.

Already this year, with spring burning season starting March 1, the fire department has responded to several out of control fires, Sargeant said.

Although snow was on the ground quite recently, there’s a layer of dry tinder underneath what looks like a harmless lawn or field, Sargeant said. “You just have to be very careful,” she said. “Those very fine fuels burn hot, and they burn fast.” That can put cattle, horses and other livestock in danger if a fire gets out of control, Sargeant said. She noted that people need to call if a fire does get out of control. “We’d rather people call than not call and hope for the best,” she said.

The fire departments usually just hear of the fires that got out of control. Sargeant said many local people can do a proper burn. “We’ve had many successful prescribed burns.”

Lake County Leader

March 1 was the beginning of spring open burn season for Flathead and north Lake County.

No permits are required between March 1 and April 30, but burn permits will be required for any burning in May and June. No burning will be allowed during fire season in July, August, and September.

If you are planning to burn, remember:

Debris burning seasons are for burning natural vegetative yard and agricultural debris. No trade waste or man-made materials are allowed.

• Piles should be built of dry materials so they burn clean and fast. Refrain from burning wet grass or material that will smolder and produce excess smoke.

• Build piles of manageable size and in areas clear of surrounding or overhanging vegetation.

• Check the local weather forecast and do not light your fire if windy conditions are predicted.

• Air Quality compliance is required for every burn. Call Flathead County Air Quality at 751-8144 or check the website at http://flatheadhealth.org/environmental-health/burn-restrictions/ for the daily Ventilation and Burning Forecast. It is updated 8:30 weekdays and 5 Friday for the weekend.

• Do not leave your fire unattended.

• Have enough water, tools, and people on site to put out your fire if necessary.

• Call 911 immediately if your fire does burn out of control.

• Your fire is not out until it is cold to the touch.

There are many ways that you may decrease the chance of your home igniting in a wildland fire. To prepare your home and property for wildfire season:

• Remove any junipers or conifers planted immediately adjacent to your home.

• Remove any branches that are overhanging or touching your home.

• Remove all branches up to 6 -10 feet from the ground.

• Thin trees (or small clumps of trees) so the longest branches are at least 10 feet apart.