Safety urged during fall fire season

National Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 5-11, and the North Carolina Division of Forest Resources is asking everyone to be careful with fire, especially during the upcoming fall fire season.

Fall wildfire season typically lasts from mid-October until mid-December. During the fall, people do a lot of yard work that includes burning leaves and yard debris. Sometimes, those yard fires escape and start wildfires.

In fact, debris burning is the No. 1 cause of wildfires in the state.

The state Division of Forest Resources urges people to adhere to the following advice to protect property and prevent wildfires:

• Never burn trash, paper, plastics and other man-materials. It is illegal to burn man-made materials in the state because the smoke pollutes the air and can be harmful to breathe.
• Make sure you have a valid permit. You can obtain a burning permit at any Division of Forest Resources office or permitting agent, or online at http://dfr.nc.gov/.
• Check with local officials. Outside burning may be prohibited.
• Check the weather. Don't burn on dry, windy days.
• Local fire officials can recommend a safe way to burn debris. Don't pile vegetation on the ground. Instead, it should be placed in a cleared area and contained in a screened receptacle, away from overhead branches and wires.
• Check local laws on burning debris. Some communities allow burning only during specified hours. Others forbid it entirely.
• Consider the alternatives to burning. Some types of debris, such as leaves, grass, and stubble may be of more value if they are not burned, but used for mulch instead. Household trash should be hauled away to a recycling station.
• Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. To control the fire, you will need a hose, bucket and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire.
• Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed debris burning.
• Stay with your fire until it is completely out.