Burn experts warn of letting weather drive fires out of control
Posted: Monday, April 07, 2008
GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) -- Experts are warning Nebraska landowners about being safe with controlled burns, as winds and other elements have let some recent fires grow out of control.
Controlled burns are often beneficial to landowners because they can help control weeds and trees, improve grazing land and help wildlife habitat.
But Don Reeves, a Central City resident who farms in Merrick County, says eight fires that were supposed to be controlled burns grew into wildfires during the past two weeks.
"Although none of these fires caused loss of life or serious injury or property loss, fire crews, adjoining property and volunteer firefighters were at risk in putting them out," Reeves said.
He and about 60 other landowners have formed the Central Nebraska Prescribed Burn Association, in hopes of helping others plan and execute safe burns.
Dave Carr, president of the Nebraska Prescribed Fire Safety Council, said people who plan burns should plan to have enough people there to keep things from getting out of hand.
"The idea that a prescribed burn can be accomplished with just a few people to help is pure fictuion, and any such burn is a disaster waiting to happen," Carr said.
Carr said recent fires were also caused because of bad planning in terms of weather.
"It's not enough to listen to the evening or morning news," he said.
Controlled burns are often beneficial to landowners because they can help control weeds and trees, improve grazing land and help wildlife habitat.
But Don Reeves, a Central City resident who farms in Merrick County, says eight fires that were supposed to be controlled burns grew into wildfires during the past two weeks.
"Although none of these fires caused loss of life or serious injury or property loss, fire crews, adjoining property and volunteer firefighters were at risk in putting them out," Reeves said.
He and about 60 other landowners have formed the Central Nebraska Prescribed Burn Association, in hopes of helping others plan and execute safe burns.
Dave Carr, president of the Nebraska Prescribed Fire Safety Council, said people who plan burns should plan to have enough people there to keep things from getting out of hand.
"The idea that a prescribed burn can be accomplished with just a few people to help is pure fictuion, and any such burn is a disaster waiting to happen," Carr said.
Carr said recent fires were also caused because of bad planning in terms of weather.
"It's not enough to listen to the evening or morning news," he said.
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