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November 2008 |
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Dry weather increases risk of out-of-control fires |
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Saturday, September 06 2008 |
By TJ HEMLINGER
Staff writer
The dry weather that has left Whitley County more than five inches below normal rainfall for the year also has led to an increased threat of out-of-control fires caused by residents who set fires to burn yard waste or for a campfire.
Columbia City fire chief Tom LaRue discourages people from doing any burning until more rain has fallen.
“I strongly suggest they don’t do it when it’s really dry like this,” he said. “If they do damage to their neighbor’s property they can be held accountable.”
Columbia City has its own ordinance against burning, which prohibits open burning of trash, leaves, bonfires, refuse fires and other types. There are exemptions for bonfires celebrating school pep rallies and recreational campfires for scouting or family cookouts.
The exemptions carry the stipulation that a hose connected to a water supply or other fire-extinguishing equipment be readily available. In addition, the person in charge of the fire must obtain a burn permit from the fire department at least 24 hours in advance.
Only wood products may be burned; no leaves, paper or trash are allowed. Also, the fire must be at least 25 feet from any structure, fence or right-of-way, LaRue said.
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has issued guidelines to go with the state statute, saying, “All smoke contains pollutants, some of which are toxic. These pollutants can harm your family’s and neighbor’s health and the environment. In addition, fires often create a nuisance and destroy property when they get out of hand.”
Open burning can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, lung irritation and congestion, shortness of breath and coughing, stomach or intestinal upset, headaches or memory loss, skin irritations or burn and eye damage.
It is always against the law for citizens to open burn trash such as plastic, batteries, rubber, disposable diapers and painted or stained wood.
While Whitley County isn’t a large metropolis, burning can contribute to harmful ozone. Because of unacceptably high ozone levels in Lake, Porter, Clark and Floyd counties, open burning of residential waste, including yard waste, is illegal.
According to state law, there are several rules that must be followed:
• Only clean wood products may be burned.
• Burning must be done during safe weather conditions, not during high winds or on pollution alert days.
• Fires must be attended until completely extinguished.
• Burning must be done during daylight hours.
• Material only may be burned in a noncombustible and ventilated container, such as a metal drum with enclosed sides and bottom. Burning on the ground is illegal.
• Open burning is not allowed at mobile home parks, apartment complexes or buildings of more than four dwelling units.
• Fires must be extinguished if they create a hazard, nuisance, pollution problem or threat to public health.
• Firefighting equipment adequate for the size of the fire must be nearby.
Burning household trash and outdoor waste, such as plastics and building materials, is illegal because it’s extremely dangerous. Burning tires, treated wood and asbestos is particularly dangerous.
State law allows the burning of vegetation for wildlife habitat maintenance, forest and natural area management and fire fighting or prevention.
Recreational or ceremonial fires, such as barbecues, campfires and fires for scouting activities is allowed.
Burning of vegetation from a farm, an orchard, nursery, cemetery, tree farm or drainage ditch also is allowed.
E-mail staff writer TJ Hemlinger at
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, September 09 2008 )
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