Spring cleaning sometimes means out-of-control fires

By Staff
With the recent warm weather, combined with a renewed clean-up effort around the county, residents are getting out the rake, saws, and wheelbarrows to clean up old limbs and debris from the winter months and do a little spring cleaning.
While this is an excellent idea, and one we have pushed for in this space in recent weeks, it can also cause a problem for citizens wishing to burn brush piles.
In the windy conditions that usually accompany spring in north Alabama, a brush fire can easily get out of control and cause a field of grass or even a building to catch fire.
A day spent listening to the police and fire radio scanner will demonstrate that grass fires are a common problem this time of year in the county.
Inside the city limits, there is a no-burn policy. But in the county, the quickest way to get rid of a brush pile is to burn it.
Firefighters advise that if you intend to burn a brush pile, you do it on a calm day when the wind isn't likely to carry embers to nearby structures or fields.
Also, make sure there is a clear area around the fire to keep the fire contained.
Lastly, have a phone handy in case the fire does get out of control. The good folks who make up our volunteer fire departments in the county are always willing to help put out a fire that has gone beyond someone's control.
Thanks to the fire departments for their efforts, but let's be safe and keep their work to a minimum.
Clean-up is good, but let's do it safely and correctly. Happy cleaning, and be safe!