OUTDOOR FIRE SAFETY

The Volunteers at Pend Oreille FD #3 are as excited about spring and summer activities as you are. We all enjoy a nice outdoor fire from time to time. Marsh mellows, hotdogs, s’mores and fun with our family and friends all add to our outdoor enjoyment in the summer. With the recent change in weather the fire districts have been busy responding to calls for open burning. The office at FD #3 receives multiple calls about outdoor / open burning. With this in mind, we need to keep in mind some safety tips with outdoor fires.

Most people are careful with fire. They build fires in the right places at the right time. They keep them the proper size and put them out before leaving them. Here are some tips to have safe outdoor fires.

Check local regulations on opening burning. Right now with the well deserved rain we are not under any open burning limitations. As the weather gets hotter and drier, we will see an increase in potential for forest fires. If you have any question if you are allowed to have an outdoor fire call first.

Don’t burn trash! Not only is the smoke and gases harmful to you and the environment, these fires are blown around much more easily and can lead to fire extension beyond control. Never burn aerosol cans. Heated cans can explode. Recycling is free in Pend Oreille County. Our trash disposal is a reasonable expense in place of the alternative of burning.

Burning agriculture residue and forest litter is sometimes a necessity. Be sure you are fully prepared before starting your fire. You will need a source of water, a bucket and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire. A fire containment line should be scratched in the dirt before lighting the fire. With large fires contact the DNR for a permit before burning.

Campfires should be built away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, logs, dry grass and pile extra wood away from the fire. Start the fire small and add to it. Keep plenty of water available and have a shovel available to toss dirt on the fire to control it. Keep your fire small. A good bed of coals surrounded by rocks gives plenty of heat. Scrape away a 10 foot circle around your fire to keep the fire from spreading. Never leave a campfire unattended! When you are done with the fire, put it out with water and stir with a shovel, add some more water. The fire area should be cool to your bare hand. Do not bury your coals. They can smolder and break out.

People cause 75 percent of wild land fires in Pend Oreille County. Remember, a little extra care only takes a few minutes of your time. And it could prevent an enjoyable time from turning into a disaster!

Last but not least is the concern we have with the use of illegal fireworks in the Diamond Lake community. These fireworks that are used not only are illegal but they present a severe threat to homes and forestland when they are used in the dry conditions of the summer. Each year many fires are started from the use of illegal fireworks. We would ask that you purchase and use only fireworks that meet the intent of the law in Pend Oreille County.

The members at Fire District #3 hope that this safety information helps and if you have any questions, please visit our website @ www.pofd3.org. You can also call or stop by at the Diamond Lake station. We are here M-F from 8:00 to 4:00.