Celina Record > Cops
Learning to Reason with Wildfire Season
column by Celina Fire Chief Mark Metdker
A very dangerous time of year is approaching for both firefighters and you as citizens. It is wildfire season. Celina is still considered a rural community and we must be cautious of any outside burning that is done here. Most safety prevention for wildfires is commons sense.
We will review some things now that may help you prevent a wildfire. Wildfires can start for a myriad of reasons. Numerous things that we do outside can start a wildfire. Let’s start with the basics. If you decide to burn something outside you need a permit. If you are inside the city of Celina you will get that permit from the Fire Marshal. That office is at 302 W. Walnut St. #200. If you are in the county, you need a permit from the County Fire Marshal. That office is at 825 N. McDonald St. #140 in McKinney.
A little known fact of which far too few people are aware is that a burning ban doesn’t have to be in effect for outdoor burning to be illegal. Negligently allowing your fire to escape onto someone else’s property is a Class C misdemeanor offense (the same as violation of a burn ban) that is punishable by a fine up to $500. Deliberately setting fire to someone else’s property is arson, which is a felony offense punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and a prison term of from 2 years to 99 years in prison. Information on outdoor burning regulations pertaining to the control of air pollution from visible emissions and particulate matter is available from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Approximately 90 percent of wildfires in Texas are caused by people. Seemingly harmless things like outdoor grilling, dragging safety chains behind a trailer, welding and building campfires can accidentally start a dangerous wildfire.
Use caution when burning debris
Obey all local burn bans and restrictions.
Postpone burning when conditions are dry or windy.
Establish wide control lines down to bare mineral soil.
Never leave fire unattended.
Keep water and hand tools nearby.
Note: Escaped debris burning is the number one cause of wildfires in the State of Texas. Firefighters across the state cite inadequate fire breaks and failure to stay with outdoor fires as the two most common reasons for escaped fires.
Remove vegetation from the work area.
Where vegetation cannot be removed, use a sprayer to wet down the work area prior to starting welding operations. Wet a wider area on the down-wind side from the welding location. If working in the same area for an extended period, re-wet the vegetation surrounding the work site.
Keep water handy.
Have someone with you to spot any fires that the sparks ignite so that they can be caught while small.
Avoid parking vehicles in dry, tall grass.
NOTE: During extreme dry, hot and windy conditions, fire may appear to be out but will re-ignite when temperatures and wind increase. Be sure to stir and wet down areas of grass that have burned dowsing with plenty of water before leaving site.
When baling hay
Check bearing frequently and stop use if they get too hot.
Remove any loose hay trapped around rollers-the friction can build up and start a fire.
Keep a fire extinguisher and field sprayer nearby in case a fire breaks out.
NOTE: During extreme dry, hot and windy conditions, have someone with you to watch for smoking balers.
When camping
Check local restrictions on campfires.
Build and burn campfires in a metal box or fire pit only.
Do not build a fire in dry, windy conditions.
Make sure the campfire is at least 15 feet from surroundings and low hanging branches.
Use an approved gas stove as an alternative for heating and cooking.
Use charcoal grills only over fire proof surfaces such as asphalt or bare mineral soil.
Using lawn equipment and motor vehicles
Keep mufflers and spark arresters on lawn care equipment in proper working order and watch out for rocks and metal when mowing
Dragging chains can start a grass fire along the road without your knowledge. A small piece of hot metal rips off the chain when it comes in contact with the pavement. When in contact with dry vegetation it can ignite a wildfire. Check to make sure your chains are secure and short enough not to drag.
Learn ways you can prepare your home and family for a wildfire
Ready, set, go.
Ready: Prepare for the possibility of a wildland fire before the threat occurs. Take preventive actions to make your home safer from the threat of wildfire by using Firewise and similar principles (firewise.org).
Remove combustible materials from around your home. Keep grass mowed short.
Set: Elevate your family’s awareness when fire weather occurs or when wildland fire activity increases. Form a family disaster plan.
Agree on an evacuation plan that includes what to do if you get separated and where you’ll go in case of evacuation.
Pack critical medicines, important documents, family heirlooms to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
Go: This is the simplest step: Execute your disaster plan by leaving early, well before the fire arrives.
If instructed to evacuate, do so! Your “stuff” isn’t more important than your LIFE.
I hope these tips were helpful to you. If you have any questions I can be reached at my office at 972.382.2653, or if you have an emergency dial 911. Have a happy and safe spring.
A very dangerous time of year is approaching for both firefighters and you as citizens. It is wildfire season. Celina is still considered a rural community and we must be cautious of any outside burning that is done here. Most safety prevention for wildfires is commons sense.
We will review some things now that may help you prevent a wildfire. Wildfires can start for a myriad of reasons. Numerous things that we do outside can start a wildfire. Let’s start with the basics. If you decide to burn something outside you need a permit. If you are inside the city of Celina you will get that permit from the Fire Marshal. That office is at 302 W. Walnut St. #200. If you are in the county, you need a permit from the County Fire Marshal. That office is at 825 N. McDonald St. #140 in McKinney.
A little known fact of which far too few people are aware is that a burning ban doesn’t have to be in effect for outdoor burning to be illegal. Negligently allowing your fire to escape onto someone else’s property is a Class C misdemeanor offense (the same as violation of a burn ban) that is punishable by a fine up to $500. Deliberately setting fire to someone else’s property is arson, which is a felony offense punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and a prison term of from 2 years to 99 years in prison. Information on outdoor burning regulations pertaining to the control of air pollution from visible emissions and particulate matter is available from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Approximately 90 percent of wildfires in Texas are caused by people. Seemingly harmless things like outdoor grilling, dragging safety chains behind a trailer, welding and building campfires can accidentally start a dangerous wildfire.
Use caution when burning debris
Obey all local burn bans and restrictions.
Postpone burning when conditions are dry or windy.
Establish wide control lines down to bare mineral soil.
Never leave fire unattended.
Keep water and hand tools nearby.
Note: Escaped debris burning is the number one cause of wildfires in the State of Texas. Firefighters across the state cite inadequate fire breaks and failure to stay with outdoor fires as the two most common reasons for escaped fires.
Remove vegetation from the work area.
Where vegetation cannot be removed, use a sprayer to wet down the work area prior to starting welding operations. Wet a wider area on the down-wind side from the welding location. If working in the same area for an extended period, re-wet the vegetation surrounding the work site.
Keep water handy.
Have someone with you to spot any fires that the sparks ignite so that they can be caught while small.
Avoid parking vehicles in dry, tall grass.
NOTE: During extreme dry, hot and windy conditions, fire may appear to be out but will re-ignite when temperatures and wind increase. Be sure to stir and wet down areas of grass that have burned dowsing with plenty of water before leaving site.
When baling hay
Check bearing frequently and stop use if they get too hot.
Remove any loose hay trapped around rollers-the friction can build up and start a fire.
Keep a fire extinguisher and field sprayer nearby in case a fire breaks out.
NOTE: During extreme dry, hot and windy conditions, have someone with you to watch for smoking balers.
When camping
Check local restrictions on campfires.
Build and burn campfires in a metal box or fire pit only.
Do not build a fire in dry, windy conditions.
Make sure the campfire is at least 15 feet from surroundings and low hanging branches.
Use an approved gas stove as an alternative for heating and cooking.
Use charcoal grills only over fire proof surfaces such as asphalt or bare mineral soil.
Using lawn equipment and motor vehicles
Keep mufflers and spark arresters on lawn care equipment in proper working order and watch out for rocks and metal when mowing
Dragging chains can start a grass fire along the road without your knowledge. A small piece of hot metal rips off the chain when it comes in contact with the pavement. When in contact with dry vegetation it can ignite a wildfire. Check to make sure your chains are secure and short enough not to drag.
Learn ways you can prepare your home and family for a wildfire
Ready, set, go.
Ready: Prepare for the possibility of a wildland fire before the threat occurs. Take preventive actions to make your home safer from the threat of wildfire by using Firewise and similar principles (firewise.org).
Remove combustible materials from around your home. Keep grass mowed short.
Set: Elevate your family’s awareness when fire weather occurs or when wildland fire activity increases. Form a family disaster plan.
Agree on an evacuation plan that includes what to do if you get separated and where you’ll go in case of evacuation.
Pack critical medicines, important documents, family heirlooms to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
Go: This is the simplest step: Execute your disaster plan by leaving early, well before the fire arrives.
If instructed to evacuate, do so! Your “stuff” isn’t more important than your LIFE.
I hope these tips were helpful to you. If you have any questions I can be reached at my office at 972.382.2653, or if you have an emergency dial 911. Have a happy and safe spring.
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