06/23/2009: "DNR Warning On Old Burn Piles"

Wildfire prevention experts with the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are encouraging landowners to take time to check forest debris piles that may still be smoldering after being burned earlier this winter or spring.

“Each summer, we respond to debris burn piles that were not put out effectively,” said Loren Torgerson, DNR Northeast Region Manager. “This year, more than 41 escaped forest debris fires have burned over 140 acres in the northeast region of our state.”

But even small burn piles can flare up, as was the case with the recent Orcas fire.

‘Hold over’ fires are forest debris fires that escaped months after they were lit. Failure to extinguish hold over fires is the second leading cause of why debris fires escape, representing over 20 percent of escaped debris fires in Northeast region. To prevent hold over fires, Guy Gifford (DNR’s Northeast Region Fire Prevention Forester) recommends that landowners check the piles that burned this past winter and spring. To insure the fire is out, use a shovel and dig into the pile in several different spots to feel if there is any heat remaining.

To prevent forest debris piles from escaping, remember to create a ‘fire trail’ around the fire by removing material all the way down to mineral soil around the burn pile. Also, do not leave the pile unattended.

Washington residents are reminded, before they burn to call 1-800-323-BURN to check on current burning conditions.