October 16, 2025 3:50 a.m. 

The Douglas Forest Protective Association is asking residents to use caution when burning yard debris.

DFPA Public Information Officer Rachel Pope said for those who decide that burning is their best option for the disposal of woody materials, safety is key. Pope said in the past decade, escaped debris burns caused half of the fires outside fire season in the spring and fall.

Residents are encouraged to avoid burning when abnormally warm and windy conditions are forecast and should always follow these tips when using fire as a tool:

• Check with the local fire department to see if debris burning is allowed in the area, as fire restrictions may vary from one fire district or town to another.
• Consider alternatives to burning yard debris, such as composting, chipping, or recycling. 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. Prohibited materials include rubber and plastic products, tires, garbage, petroleum, asphalt or industrial waste, and any material that creates dense smoke or noxious odors.
• Divide large debris piles into smaller piles. Smaller piles burn quicker and are easier to control.
• Before ignition begins, debris piles should be surrounded by a fire trail scraped down to mineral soil.
• Have a shovel and a charged garden hose at the burn site and stay with the fire until it is completely extinguished.
• Call 911 immediately if a debris burn escapes containment

Pope said residents who have burned debris piles should check to ensure they are fully extinguished, as old piles can smolder and reignite on warm, windy days.

Those who burn yard debris are responsible for fire suppression costs and possible damage if the fire escapes. Costs can range from hundreds to millions of dollars.

More information from the Douglas Forest Protective Association is available at: www.dfpa.net