October 25, 2022 3:30 p.m. 

Tuesday afternoon shortly after 2:30 p.m., crews with the Douglas Forest Protective Association and Riddle Rural Fire Protection District responded to an escaped debris burn pile located on Council Creek Road in the Riddle area.

DFPA Public Information Officer Rachel Pope said upon arrival, rural responders took immediate action and had the 2-acre Council Creek Fire quickly extinguished. DFPA performed mop up and had the area cleared by 3:00 p.m.

Pope said this is a great reminder that even though the Douglas District is no longer in fire season, fires can still happen. Residents should exercise caution when burning yard debris or when using fire in the woods.

When burning yard debris, there should be an adequate fire trail around the pile before ignition begins, with fire tools and a water supply at the burn site. Pope said debris piles should never be left unattended and should be fully extinguished before leaving the area.

If a debris-burn escapes containment, the responsible party may be held financially liable for the resulting fire suppression costs and associated damage.

More information is available at www.dfpa.net.