Open burning starts in East Fork on Saturday

The winter 2008 open burning period for the East Fork Fire & Paramedic Districts will begin Saturday and continue through Dec. 14.

Valley residents who wish to burn are required to obtain an open burn regulation form for the current burn period that includes information and all regulations required to ensure a safe burn and maintain compliance with air quality standards, according to district spokeswoman Toni Braga.

Residents residing in the former Sierra Forest Fire Protection District which includes Jacks Valley, Indian Hills and west of Foothill Road to the California state line, are no longer required to have an on-site inspection prior to burning, Braga said. Those residents can now use the same burn regulations as other residents within the valley portion of Douglas County.

A current valid winter 2008 burn permit is required to be on the premises prior to and during burning; a new permit is required each season. Prior to ignition, call the burn line number on the 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 fire chief or his designee shall determine on a daily basis whether burning will be allowed due to current or predicted weather conditions

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.

According to regulations, 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 shall be immediately available and functional for emergency use. In addition, have a rake, shovel, hoe, or pulaski available to manage and extinguish the fire.

Braga advised 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.

The burn regulation form, which is the permit will be available beginning Friday at the East Fork Fire & Paramedic Districts' Administration Office at 1594 Esmeralda Ave. in Minden, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Burn regulations will also be available for pick up at all fire stations within the East Fork Fire & Paramedic Districts and available to download at effpd.co.douglas.nv.us.

For additional information, contact Braga with the East Fork Fire & Paramedic Districts at 783-6415.