CLEARFIELD – Wildfire prevention should be practiced year-around, according to Kim Kaschalk of the Moshannon Forest Firefighters Association.
She presented tips for wildfire prevention and was accompanied by Wayne Wynick to Tuesday’s Clearfield County Commissioners’ meeting.
She’s part of a support crew of specially trained firefighters who assist the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources and local fire companies with fighting wildfires.
Kaschalk offered the following wildfire prevention tips:
- Check the weather conditions in your area. Don’t burn when conditions are dry and windy.
- Check with your local municipality and county regarding burning regulations.
- Check your burn site to make sure it’s clear of low-hanging power lines and tree limbs. Allow at least three times the height of the pile of vertical clearance.
- Check around your burn site to make sure it’s surrounded by gravel or mineral soil at least 10 feet in all directions.
- Prepare your pile and keep it small and more manageable.
- Use a metal burn barrel and make sure it’s in good condition. Place a metal screen overtop your barrel to contain embers.
- Keep a shovel and hose near your burn site.
- Don’t leave your fire or burn barrel unattended.
- Make sure your fire is out. Douse it with water and stir it up.
More tips can be found on the Smokey Bear wildfire Web site or on the DCNR Web site by clicking on the forestry and wildfire tabs.
Kaschalk said anyone found to be responsible for causing a wildfire will be liable for the costs of bringing in specialized fire personnel and equipment, including the air tanker.