Staff Writer
Spring is here and with the snow mostly gone, many landowners are out cleaning up their yards. Houlton Fire Chief Milton Cone is issuing a warning of caution.
BE PREPARED — Be cautious and prepared warns Houlton’s Fire Chief Milton Cone. Plan your burn for a calm day or late in the afternoon when not as windy. Two weeks ago a home-owner was burning brush when the wind shifted direction and quickly got away.
“While many homeowners are careful when burning debris, you must always be ready for the unexpected,” said Cone. “Even with the required burn permit if a fire gets out of control and the fire department is called the homeowner may be responsible for the cost of putting the fire out. This is especially true if additional equipment has to be used or abutting property is damaged by the fire.”
It is essential that the person be aware of weather conditions, and wind direction. There are also specific guidelines for what can and cannot be burned.
The burn permit itself is free at your local fire department. The person who will be responsible for the fire and must indicate what will be burned, the location, the date and time, must complete that permit. It must also list the number of people available to help with the burn, what water sources and tools are available for extinguishing the fire.
Materials that are prohibited from being burned are, plastic, rubber, Styrofoam, metals, food wastes, chemicals, treated wood or other solid wastes, except for wood wastes and asphalt shingles.
Cone said, “We are nearing the critical point for grass fires, the vegetation is drying out fast, so I want to caution people that they need to be prepared. Winds can pick up and change direction in an instant.”
