September 17, 2019 3:50 a.m.
Cooler wet weather has allowed the Douglas Forest Protective Association to begin issuing burn permits for back yard debris burning within the Douglas District, however fire season remains in effect.
Kyle Reed of DFPA said burn permits from DFPA are free of charge but do require an onsite inspection from a DFPA Forest Officer, before they can be issued.
Reed said burn permits will only be issued for small debris piles consisting of yard debris. He said they will not be issued for burn barrels or for the burning of industrial logging slash. The burning of materials like garbage, tires, plastic, rubber or any other material that normally emits dense smoke and/or noxious odors are prohibited. Reed said a burn permit does not waive the landowner’s liability if the burn escapes containment. He said the permit holder can be held liable for fire suppression costs and damages resulting from an escaped debris burn.
Reed said before a burn permit can be issued, a fire trail must be created about the burn site, down to mineral soil. At a minimum, the permit will require those people burning to have a shovel and a charged garden hose immediately available at the burn site. An adult must be present the entire time the burn is taking place and it must be completely extinguished before they leave.
To request a burn permit, call DFPA at 672-6507 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and. 7:00 p.m. People found to be burning prohibited materials or burning without a permit may be issued a citation, according to Reed.
The DFPA release said those who live within incorporated cities or on lands not protected by DFPA should contact their local fire department regarding the current burning restrictions in those areas.