County Fire Captain Warns Against Not-So-Controlled Burns

High winds and dry weather across the Snake River Plain over the weekend mean big fire danger.

On Sunday, one county is warning those planning on lighting a controlled burn to use extreme caution.

“A windless day is really the only day you should burn,” said Bingham County Fire captain Dave Krumenacker.

He said firefighters have responded to at least one out-of-control burn in the county on Sunday. On Saturday, fires sprung up all over the place.

While the wind is certainly an accelerant for brush fires, the dry brush is also a perfect fuel for fanning the flames.

“All it takes it one spark, little bit of wind moves that spark or moves that ember,” said Krumenacker. “It will run real fast in the dry grass.”

According to the department, folks clearing brush and starting controlled burns can end up starting a large fire if things get out of hand. Once a fire starts, Krumenacker said folks can make another devastating mistake:

“You know you can’t control it, then they try to control it and delay calling us,” he said.

Krumenacker says if your burn gets out of control, do not wait to call 911.

“Ignore any thoughts of embarrassment, cause embarrassment doesn’t destroy property,” said Krumenacker.

As we’ve seen all-too-often this weekend, fire surely does.

Many counties also have their own condition restrictions for burns. Bingham County, for instance, has wind speed restrictions. A controlled burn may not be set if the wind is higher than 15 miles per hour.

Several counties, including Bingham and Madison, require anyone planning a controlled burn to register their burn before proceeding.

For more your local fire chief’s contact information, please visit the Idaho Fire Chiefs Association website.