FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) With much of the area experiencing drought or near-drought conditions, the Allen County Office of Emergency Management wants residents to use caution if they plan on starting a recreational fire.
It’s the time of year when cool, dry evenings prompt people to use their fire pit. However because it’s been so dry there’s an increased risk of any fire spreading.
Warm and dry days causing drought to worsen
The following safety measures are recommended:
- Keep your recreational fires small, limit that to an area no more than 3 feet wide by 2feet high.
- All fires should be attended by a responsible person.
- Keep your fire in a metal or stone fireplace, ring, or other containment device. Use ametal screen over the fire to contain sparks.
- Do not leave fires unattended. Ensure fire is completely out when complete.
- Have a garden hose connected to a water supply, charged, and ready to use. Keep awater bucket, sand and shovel near the fire if a hose is not practical.
- Burn only clean wood, no leaves, paper, trash.
- Keep your fire away from other structures.
- Keep the area around the fire clear of combustible materials.
- Remain alert for changing conditions, take appropriate action if necessary
Allen County Code requires residents who use agricultural open burning to seek anotification permit from their servicing fire department prior to burning. Open burning isnot permitted when wind speeds are below 5 mph or greater than 20 mph.
Allen County Code related to open burning can be found HERE…