Bend FD asks residents: No recreational fires

As smoke fills the Central Oregon skies from wildfires burning around the state, area fire agencies are concerned about the exceptionally dry conditions coupled with high winds.

Extreme fire danger occurs when fuels such as grass and sagebrush are very dry and could readily ignite. When coupled with sustained hot temperatures and high winds, explosive fire growth can result.

Under the burning regulations for the City of Bend and Deschutes County Rural Fire Protection District #2, debris burning has been prohibited since May 1.

“Small recreational fires (sometimes called campfires or warming fires) are typically permitted during fire season,” said Deputy Fire Marshal Cindy Kettering. “However, due to the extreme level of fire danger we are in right now, we are asking the community to voluntarily refrain from any recreational fires until conditions improve. “

Here’s the rest of her Friday news release:

Please help protect the community we all call home – make the decision not to have a recreational fire. It isn’t worth the risk.

I f you still choose to have a recreational fire :

A current copy of the Bend Fire Department burn regulations must be on site – you can pick one up at any fire station or download one online – www.bendoregon.gov
Ensure your fire is of legal size: no more than 3 feet across and 2 feet tall
Ensure you have plenty of clearance around the fire area: 25 feet of clearance to structures including homes, sheds, barns and fences
Ensure that the ground is clear for 10 feet outside the fire area in all directions to prevent the fire from spreading on the ground
Use a screen to prevent sparks and embers from flying
All fires need to be attended at all times
Have appropriate fire extinguishing tools on hand such as a shovel and a hose
When done burning ensure the fire area is cold to the touch, to ensure the fire is completely out
Do not burn prohibited materials: plastics, garbage, stumps, wire insulation, auto bodies, mobile homes, rubber, all petroleum based products, or any animal, food service, industrial, commercial and construction waste.
If you choose to have a recreational fire and it escapes, even if it meets all the legal requirements, you could still be liable for damages and suppression costs.