Check your burn piles!

As we welcome the warmth of spring, it's crucial to remember the hidden dangers that the past winter's activities may have left behind. Pile burning, a common method used to manage debris and clear land during colder months, can pose significant risks if not properly managed and extinguished. While the flames may have subsided, the threat of a deep ground fire could persist, smouldering undetected for months.

Why It Matters

Ground fires from incomplete pile burns have the potential to reignite under the right conditions, transforming into dangerous wildfires that can threaten ecosystems, properties, and lives. The transition from winter to spring, with the melting snow and thawing ground, provides these conditions, making early spring a critical time for fire checks.

Guidelines for Effective Pile Burning

• Optimal Conditions: Whenever possible, conduct pile burns under snow-covered and frozen ground conditions to minimize the risk of the fire spreading.
• Vigilance is Key: Never leave a burn site unattended. Monitor the site actively to ensure the fire is completely extinguished.
• Persistence Pays Off: If the pile does not burn completely, re-pile and reburn as necessary. It's essential to ensure no materials are left smouldering.
• Check and Double-Check: After the surface burn appears out, diligently check piles for hotspots. Using a metal rod, probe the piles; warmth indicates the fire still burns beneath.
• Spring Surveillance: Conduct thorough checks of burn sites in early spring to confirm complete extinguishment. This step is crucial to prevent any chance of a wildfire.

As part of our commitment to safety and environmental stewardship, we urge everyone who conducted pile burns in the winter to take these guidelines to heart. A few minutes spent checking your burn sites can make a significant difference in preventing wildfires. Together, let's ensure our spring is not only vibrant and green but also safe for our communities and natural habitats.

Remember, vigilance today can prevent a wildfire tomorrow. Stay safe, and ensure your winter burns are completely out before welcoming the full bloom of spring.