The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Every spring firefighters respond to a series of escaped debris burns across Central Oregon where residents believe they had their burn piles dead out - but didn't.

"This winter has provided much needed moisture; however, residents still need to be careful when they burn," said Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District Fire Marshal Dave Wheeler.

In 2006 Central Oregon wildland firefighters responded to over 22 escaped debris burns, Wheeler reported. The Sisters-Camp Sherman RFPD has responded to four escaped debris piles already this year.

Wheeler urges residents to take some steps to lower your risk while conducting outdoor debris burns.

• Check with your local fire department before you do any burning. Is burning allowed? If it is, do you need a burn permit? If you do, can you meet the requirements of that permit?

• Do you know the predicted weather conditions for the day you want to burn and for the following three days?

• Do you have the proper hand tools (shovel, hoses, etc.), a supply of water and the people to use them on-site?

• Place your debris pile in a cleared opening away from trees, overhead branches or power lines, and away from structures.

Make sure you have a "fire line" down to mineral soil around your debris pile. Check your burn piles and make sure there is no life left in them.

• Never leave a fire unattended and make sure it is dead out.

You are responsible for the fire and could be held liable for damage or suppression if the fire escapes.

For more information contact the Sisters-Camp Sherman RFPD at 549-0771.