Winter burning starts Saturday

With the 2007 winter burn season starting Saturday, firefighters are encouraging burners to use caution and follow all regulations.

Residents residing in the Sierra Forest Fire Protection District which includes Jacks Valley, Indian Hills and west of Foothill Road to the California stateline, must get an on-site inspection prior to a permit being issued. Those residents can call 783-6415 to arrange for an inspection. Inspections are not required outside of those areas.

A current valid burn permit is required to be on the premises prior to and during burning; a new permit is required each season. Prior to ignition, a burner must call the number on your permit to verify it is an open burn day. Burn days are determined on a day-by-day basis and are based on current weather conditions and forecast. The burn hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All flames and hot ashes must be totally extinguished by 3:30 p.m.

The burning of garbage, rubbish, waste, toxic material, construction debris, plastics or other hydrocarbon products or fuels is prohibited. Burning standing grass and weeds is prohibited. Use of burn barrels is prohibited. The burn area must be in a clear open area no larger than 3 feet high and 5 feet in diameter and have at least 30 feet clearance from structures, roots, overhangs, wood piles, awnings, or combustible surfaces. A fire break to mineral earth not less than 10 feet shall be maintained around all fires. A garden hose attached to a pressurized water supply is required to be immediately available and functional for emergency use. In addition, burners should have a rake, shovel, hoe, or pulaski available to manage and extinguish the fire.

The fire must be attended and controlled at all times by a competent adult 18 years old or older. If the wind conditions at the burn site exceed 15 mph, burning must cease immediately. Smoke from the burn shall not discharge material which has an offensive odor or which may be injurious or detrimental to the health and safety of others. Wear full shoes that cover your feet, long pants and a long sleeve shirt. Avoid wearing nylon, polyester or loose fitting clothing.

For residents outside of the Sierra Forest Fire Protection District the burn regulations and permit will be available on the East Fork Fire & Paramedic Districts' Web site: effpd.co.douglas.nv.us by Oct. 19.

Regulations/permits will also be available Oct. 19 for pick up at the districts' office at 1594 Esmeralda Avenue, Minden; Station 4 at 1476 Albite Drive, Wellington in TRE; Station 7 at 940 Mitch Drive, Gardnerville Ranchos; Station 12 at 3463 Princeton Way, Carson City; and Station 14 at 1699 County Road, Minden.

Those participating in open burning activities do so at their own risk and the property owner may be held responsible for the costs of suppressing escaped or uncontrolled fires. Douglas County Code Section 8.12.070 provides that a violation of the ordinance and the terms of this authorization is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail, and a maximum fine of $1,000.

Burning is expected to remain open through Dec. 15.