May 11, 2023 3:40 a.m.

Officials with the Douglas Forest Protective Association are urging residents to use caution when burning yard debris.

Public Information Officer Rachael Pope said “If burning is your only option to dispose of woody material, safety needs to be your priority, as escaped debris burns are the leading cause of wildfires in Oregon”. Pope said, “Over the last ten years, DFPA has suppressed 165 fires related to debris burning, over half of which occurred outside of fire season, during the spring and fall months”.

A DFPA release said the unseasonably warm conditions forecast for this upcoming weekend pose an increased fire risk to the area. Residents are encouraged to refrain from burning when abnormally warm or windy conditions are forecast and should follow these tips when utilizing fire as a tool:

*Check with the local fire department to see if debris burning is allowed as fire restrictions vary from one fire district or town to another

*Consider alternatives to burning yard debris, such as composting, chipping, or recycling the material. If burning is the only option, consider covering the pile with plastic and waiting for safer conditions before conducting the burn

*Don’t burn prohibited materials. That includes rubber and plastic products, tires, garbage, petroleum, asphalt, or industrial waste and any material that creates smoke and noxious odors

*Divide large debris piles into smaller piles. Those burn quicker and are easier to control

*Before ignition begins, debris piles should be surrounded by a fire trail that has been scraped down to mineral soil

*Have a shovel and charged garden hose at the burn site. Stay with the fire until it is completely extinguished

*Call 911 immediately if the debris burn escapes containment

Pope said residents who have previously burned debris piles this winter or spring are encouraged to go back and check the burned area to ensure that the pile is completely extinguished.

Get more information at www.dfpa.net