Winter burning season approaches

The 2007 winter burning season begins Oct. 27 in Carson City and Saturday in Douglas County - and firefighters are encouraging burners to use caution and follow all regulations.

Residents of Carson City are required to obtain a burn permit from the Carson City Fire Department before burning will be allowed.

The burning of garbage, rubbish, waste, toxic material, construction debris, plastics or other hydrocarbon products or fuels is prohibited. Burning standing grass and weeds is prohibited. Use of burn barrels is prohibited.

The burn area must be in a clear open area no larger than 3 feet high and 5 feet in diameter and have at least 30 feet clearance from structures, roots, overhangs, wood piles, awnings or combustible surfaces.

A fire break to mineral earth of not less than 10 feet shall be maintained around all fires. A garden hose attached to a pressurized water supply is required to be immediately available and functional for emergency use. In addition, burners should have a rake, shovel, hoe or pulaski available to manage and extinguish the fire.

The fire must be attended and controlled at all times by a competent adult 18 years old or older. If the wind conditions at the burn site exceed 15 mph, burning must cease immediately. Smoke from the burn must discharge material which has an offensive odor or which may be injurious or detrimental to the health and safety of others. Participants must wear full shoes that cover the feet, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Avoid wearing nylon, polyester or loose-fitting clothing.

Those participating in open burning activities do so at their own risk and the property owner may be held responsible for the costs of suppressing escaped or uncontrolled fires.

Permit applications can be obtained beginning Monday at any of the three Carson City fire stations or at city hall.

Douglas County residents of the Sierra Forest Fire Protection District which includes Jacks Valley, Indian Hills and west of Foothill Road to the California state line, must get an on-site inspection prior to a permit being issued.

Those residents can call 783-6415 to arrange for an inspection. Inspections are not required outside of those areas.

A current valid Douglas County burn permit is required to be on the premises prior to and during burning. A new permit is required each season. Prior to ignition, a burner must call the number on your permit to verify it is an open-burn day.

Burn days are determined on a day-by-day basis and are based on current weather conditions and forecast. The burn hours are from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. All flames and hot ashes must be totally extinguished by 3:30 p.m.

Where Burn permits can be obtained

Carson City

• Station One, 777 S. Stewart St., from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays

• Station Two, 2400 College Parkway, and Station Three, 4649 Snyder Ave., from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily when personnel are present

• Carson City Hall, 201 N. Carson St., from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays

Douglas County

• For residents outside of the Sierra Forest Fire Protection District, the burn regulations and permit will be available on the East Fork Fire & Paramedic District's Web site: effpd.co.douglas.nv.us by Friday.

• Regulations/permits will also be available Friday for pick up at the East Fork district office, 1594 Esmeralda Avenue, Minden;

• Station 12 at 3463 Princeton Way, Indian Hills;

• Station 14 at 1699 County Road, Minden;

• Station 4 at 1476 Albite Drive, Wellington in TRE;

• Station 7 at 940 Mitch Drive, Gardnerville Ranchos.