Burn season approaches in certain sections of the county

We are approaching another open burn season. The dates have not been confirmed yet but will be posted on the East Fork Fire District Web site at www.eastforkfire.org as soon as they are determined.  

Remember that open burning is only allowed in certain sections of the county. They are Ruhenstroth, Fish Springs, Topaz Lake, Topaz Ranch Estates, East Valley, Johnson Lane, Sunridge, Genoa, Gardnerville, Minden and the Sheridan area east of Foothill Road. Burn permits are available on the district Web site for you to download, print, and complete for submitting to East Fork Fire District for approval. You can also pick one up at any of the fire stations throughout the county or at the main office in the Minden Inn. 

If you live outside of these designated areas, you will need to request an on-site inspection from the department before you will be allowed to burn anything on your property. You can schedule that inspection by calling 782-9040. 

Burning in our area requires a tremendous amount of responsibility due to our susceptibility to windy conditions. Sometimes we have no warning about windy conditions. The burn permit outlines all of these precautions and restrictions very concisely. Using a burn permit also requires patience because you must be sure all embers are fully extinguished before leaving the scene. This means spreading the ashes, overturning them, and thoroughly wetting them or smothering them because they can ignite later if the lower ashes are hot yet covered by a layer of cooler ash.

Those who apply for a permit are responsible for any damages that occur due to the fire getting out of control. For questions, please call Toni Braga at 783-6415.

Red Cross programs for children

The American Red Cross has several new classes designed for children to learn safety skills, hygiene practices to help them stay healthy, and first aid. Scrubby Bear classes teach 3-8 year-olds proper hand washing procedures and the importance of personal hygiene. 

Tommy the Safety Cat is designed for 3-6 year-olds and focuses on basic safety skills. This class was developed by Winnemucca Red Cross volunteer Sunny Johnson for her daughter. Tommy the cat is their family pet. 

First Aid for Children is basic first aid practices for children in kindergarten through third grade. Please call the chapter office at (775) 856-1000 to schedule a class for either your child's classroom or perhaps their scout troop, gymnastics class, or any other children's group.

If you are looking for information on the upcoming flu season including flu shots, check out www.flu.nv.gov. It has valuable information to answer many of your questions. 

Have a ramblin' good week.

Reach Gail Davis at 265-1947 or RuhenstrothRamblings@yahoo.com