Unattended Burn Pile Sparks Fire North of Winston

(DFPA) An unattended burn pile located approximately three miles north of Winston escaped containment Wednesday afternoon, burning approximately 1/4 acre of vegetation near Happy Valley Road. Crews from the Douglas Forest Protective Association Douglas County Fire District No.2, and Winston-Dillard Fire District responded to the fire shortly after 2:00 pm and were able to quickly contain the blaze. Firefighters remind on scene of the Happy Valley Road Fire for about an hour, mopping up hot spots. Fire officials remind that debris burning is the leading cause of wildfires this time of year and provide the following tips that should be considered before conducting a burn. • Check with your local fire department to see if debris burning is allowed in your 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 the material. If burning is your 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 completely surrounded by a fire trail that has been scraped down to mineral soil. • Have a shovel and charged garden hose at the burn site and stay with the fire until it is completely extinguished. • Call 911 immediately if your debris burn escapes containment. Residents are also reminds that individuals who choose to burn yard debris are liable for fire suppression cost and most likely the damages to neighboring properties, if their burn escapes containment. These costs can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars, to potentially, millions of dollars. DFPA Release/photo