This time of year keeps “Smokey the Bear” and supporting firefighters busy.
I am a strong supporter of controlled burns. Too often I have watched reports of wildfires in other states where controlled burns were not permitted. The destruction and injuries could have easily been avoided.
Occasional rain, cool days and moderate humidity makes January a prime time to burn off woods and other areas.
That being said, I beg you to take all precautions - make it a team effort, complete with wide firelines and access to water for hot spots.
Most of all, make sure the “team leader” is someone with experience.
Years ago I thought I was well prepared and decided I’d help my husband do a controlled burn. He hadn’t gotten home from work yet but surely I knew what I was doing. I had a permit, didn’t I?
Three fire departments, two fire plows, a forestry scout plane and a frightened family later, I realized how stupid I had been.
We were lucky the flames didn’t get any nearer to our house and my husband’s tool shed than it did.
I don’t light dried grass of any sort to this day. I leave that to people who are truly prepared and know what they are doing.
As a reporter, I have watched fires seemingly take a life of their own, rushing like a huge wave across a field. I’ve seen fire destroy acres of beautiful pines, arching over a highway like a cathedral from hell to anoint the tops of other trees.
I have covered stories where people, not as lucky as me, lost their possessions or those of their neighbors by starting a fire that quickly got out of their control.
If you plan to burn, you are required to get a permit from either the town or the Forestry Commission. But that permit doesn’t mean you have taken all the precautions needed for a safe burn.
Take it from someone who knows what feeling stupid is like.
Fire is something to respect.