May 6, 2026 3:30 a.m.
Sunny days may be perfect for yard work, but officials with the Douglas Forest Protective Association say they can also create conditions that allow fire to spread quickly.
Public Information Officer Rachel Pope said with warmer temperatures in the forecast, it is especially important to take all precautions before burning.
Pope said those who plan to burn yard debris, should make safety the top priority. Over the past decade, debris burns have accounted for the largest number of fires outside fire season in the Douglas District, making them a leading cause of preventable wildfires.
DFPA is no longer issuing permits for industrial logging slash burning this spring. The permitting process will reopen after the 2026 fire season, when conditions allow. People who burned piles during the winter or spring, should take time to check them carefully and ensure all residual heat is fully extinguished to prevent reignition as temperatures increase.
Pope said before burning yard debris, check weather conditions. Avoid burning during warm, dry or windy weather and follow these essential safety tips.
*Check local regulations: Contact local fire departments to confirm if burning is allowed.
*Consider safer alternatives: Composting, chipping or recycling yard debris are effective options.
*Burn only natural debris: Materials such as rubber, plastics, garbage, petroleum products and treated wood are prohibited and hazardous.
*Keep piles small and manageable: Smaller piles burn more quickly and are easier to control
*Prepare the burn site: Clear a trail around the pile, down to mineral soil, before ignition
*Have tools ready: Keep a shovel and a charged garden hose on-site and never leave a fire unattended
*Act quickly if a fire escapes: Call 911 immediately if a burn gets out of control
Pope said if a fire escapes, the person responsible is liable for suppression costs and any damage caused. These costs can range from hundreds to millions of dollars.
For more information about fire danger, go to: www.dfpa.net