Summer
should be Fun, but be Fire Wise
As
of May 31, 2007, 84 forest fires have burned over 89 acres in the
Wisconsin Rapids Area, compared to 117 fires burning over 165 acres
for the same period in 2006. For
current DNR fire statistics and fire danger level, please visit http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/forestry/Fire/Fire_Danger/WDNR-fire_report.asp.
To learn more about the DNR Fire Management program visit http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/forestry/Fire/index.htm.
People burning a brush pile, leaves and needles, or material
in a burn barrel this year caused nearly 30 percent of all forest
fires to date. Most of
these people had not obtained a burning permit.
Obtaining a burning permit does not guarantee that a person
will not cause a forest fire, however being knowledgeable about
guidelines and restrictions will certainly reduce the risk of a
wildfire. Keep in mind that burning permits are only valid under
very specific conditions. Burning
permits allow you to burn from 6:00 PM until midnight, except
Sundays and holidays. Only clean paper, untreated and unpainted
wood, cardboard, brush, leaves, and needles can be legally burned
with a burning permit.
Note - this excludes treated lumber, plywood, and
oriented-strand board (OSB)! The
restrictions and directions on the burning permit must be followed
including
low winds (less than 8 MPH), being in attendance at all times, and
completely extinguishing the fire before leaving the site.
Locally, burning permits can be obtained at Pritzl’s, Lake
Arrowhead Lodge, and Lake
Camelot
Lodge. Burning permits
are free
and are required any time the ground is not completely snow covered. The consequence of burning without permit is a fine of at
least $160. In addition
to receiving a citation, individuals that cause a forest fire are
responsible for all suppression costs and are liable for all damage
the fire causes.
You might also want to consider alternative methods of
disposal. Composting,
recycling, and chipping are all alternatives to burning that are
much safer, reduce air pollution, and are typically time savers in
the end. The Town of
Rome Transfer site at 1371 Apache Avenue accepts leaves, needles,
and brush on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays (except Holidays),
year-round from 0900 - 1700 hours.
It takes a lot more water than many people realize to
completely extinguish a fire. The
use of a shovel in combination with water works best to completely
extinguish a fire. A campfire
or burn pile that is still “smoking a little” or just
“smoldering” is NOT completely extinguished.
The consequence of
starting a fire, even a campfire, and
not completely extinguishing it is a fine of at least $160.
The saying, “where there’s smoke, there’s fire” holds a lot
of truth.
Summer is great for cooking out, having fun, and enjoying the
outdoors, but
please
be fire- conscious when outdoors. Many people have the misconception
that if they are burning in their fire ring or fire pit, they do not need a burning permit.
“That is not necessarily true!” say Forest Ranger Brian
Luebke. “Campfires,”
which burn only clean
dry firewood, do not require a burning permit and are allowed at any
time, except during emergency forest fire regulations.
This exemption from burning permits applies to fires solely set and used for the purpose of a cooking or warming
fire. Remember,
bonfires, trash fires, or burning leaves, needles, and brush are not
campfires. If
you plan burn the leaves and twigs raked up from around the yard,
you need a burning permit…even if you are doing your burning
within your campfire ring.
The Bentley Hills ATV trail system is attracting many users
to this area. ATV users
are reminded that machines operated in areas open to the public must
have proper registration. Operators
and any passengers under the age of 18 are required to wear a
helmet. The trail
system is well marked; be
sure to stay on the trail. Law
enforcement
personnel
will be
strictly
enforcing the laws regarding ATVs on and around the trail system.
Operators of all terrain vehicles should check the exhaust
system on their machine and ensure that the spark arrestor is in
place and working properly. Lack
of maintenance leads to spark arrestor malfunction. A non-functional
spark arrestor will allow very small red-hot particle to be emitted
out of the exhaust system and start a forest fire.
The Fourth of July is just around the corner.
A number of forest fires result each year from the
irresponsible use of illegal fireworks.
These fires are quite damaging because the fireworks,
especially bottle rockets, can land just about anywhere and ignite a
fire. Because the fire
often ignites some distance from where the firework was originally
set off, it may go undetected for some time.
In addition, the damage that results from these fires often
occurs on property other than where the firework was initially set
off. Although the
“POP”,
“BANG”, “BOOM”, or display of sparks may be exciting and
colorful, it can also be dangerous.
Most fireworks in Wisconsin are classified as “restricted
use” fireworks. This
means that individuals may not possess or use them without a special
permit. Individuals
found in possession of or using “restricted use” fireworks
without a valid permit are in violation of Wisconsin State Statutes
and could be issued a citation.
"Restricted" use fireworks include bottle rockets,
firecrackers, roman candles, and some types of fountains or cones.
In short, if the firework flies, explodes, and/or emits
sparks while flying or moving, it is classified as a “restricted
use” firework. Unrestricted
fireworks include smoke producing devices, most fountains, and
sparklers. In addition
to the potential for forest fires, fireworks cause numerous injuries
every year. Celebrate the 4th of July this year by attending a
sanctioned fireworks display rather than risking the consequences of
using fireworks around your home or property.
Brian
Luebke, DNR Forest Ranger
