The N.C. Forest Service Cleveland County Ranger, Travis Shidal wants to let residents know that there has been a change in burn permit agents in Casar. Previously White's General Store was issuing burn permits, but due to their recent closure a new permit agent has been designated at Mountain View Grocery located 5756 Casar Road.
Shidal, is also urging residents to think safety and exercise caution when burning, especially during the spring fire season, which typically goes from March to the end of May when vegetation begins to green up.
"People do a lot of yard work during the spring that often includes burning leaves and yard debris. However, debris fires account for more than 40 percent of all wildfires in the state," Shidal said.
The burn permit system acts as an educational conduit to educate residents of safe burning practices and helps inform the county ranger that a debris burn will occur. Residents also need to understand that possession of a permit does not eliminate the need to comply with the air pollution regulations.
North Carolina's open burning rule prohibits the burning any manmade materials including garbage, paper, cardboard, tires, other rubber products, building materials such as lumber, wire and synthetic materials, asphalt shingles and heavy oils, paints and agricultural chemicals and buildings.
People who choose to burn debris are urged to follow these tips to protect property and prevent wildfires:
• Make sure you have a valid permit. You can obtain a burning permit at any N.C. Forest Service office or permitting agent or online at ncforestservice.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 for burning debris. It should be placed in a cleared area, away from overhead branches and wires.
• Debris should not be accumulated for several days and then ignited. It becomes compacted and wet, increasing air pollution, and makes the fire burn longer, requiring more watching.
• 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 and grass may be of more value if they are not burned.
• 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.
• Household trash should be hauled away to a recycling station as its illegal to burn.
• Stay with your fire until it is completely out.
Studies have shown that taking these and other measures can greatly reduce wildfires and the loss of property associated with them.
For more information on ways you can prevent wildfires and loss of property log onto ncforestservice.gov and follow the links under "Fire Control & Prevention" or contact Cleveland County Ranger, Travis Shidal, at 704-487-4954.