Spring_Burning

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Fire danger has already been increasing across the lower elevations of Wyoming due to below normal precipitation this year, especially in windy areas such as Cody and Dubois. These conditions have resulted in several agricultural burns getting out of control in the upper Wind River Basin, with property damage already reported in around Dubois. The National Weather Service in Riverton is advising people to get the most up-to-date weather forecast before conducting agricultural burns - Learn Before You Burn!

**Don't Let This Happen to You - or Your Neighbor**

This property was damaged when a neighbor lost control of their agricultural burn. Call us at 800-211-1448* to ask about the weather conditions. We can help you decide when the weather conditions will work - for you instead of against you!*

“It is common for calm morning wind to give way to gusty wind around the midday hours during this time of year,” said Kelly Allen, Meteorologist and Fire Weather Program Manager at the Riverton National Weather Service office. “Having a weather forecast of exactly how and when the wind speed and direction may change during the day is valuable in the burn planning process. Federal and state land management agencies routinely ask us for this information. The general public should do the same.” Allen added that dormant vegetation is primed for quick burning and that agricultural burns can easily become uncontrollable.

Landowners, conservation districts, and others who plan to conduct prescribed burning activities are strongly encouraged to check the latest weather forecast by calling the National Weather Service in Riverton toll-free at 1-800-211-1448. They should inform local government officials of burn plans as well.

Don't let your property become a statistic!

Agricultural burning is the practice of using fire to reduce or dispose of vegetative debris from an agricultural activity. Some common practices include:

field burning large areas of crop residue after harvest to reduce excess plant material, to control crop diseases, weeds or pests, or to maintain crop yields

disposing of piles of agricultural debris, such as orchard trees, limbs, or haystacks

clearing vegetation out of irrigation ditches and canals

It is clear that acricultural burning is necessary, but it can be risky. Here are some tips on how to reduce that risk:

Tips for Conducting a Safe Burn
1. Call the National Weather Service any time of the day or night, any day of the week at 800-211-1448. The weather can play a pivotal role in whether your burn is successful or not. Light winds in the morning can become strong in the afternoon at the blink of an eye. We can tell you if that is likely to happen on the day you would like to burn and we can help you find a safer day if necessary.
2. Call the Local Authorities. By calling the authorities first you ensure that your burn is legal and that it is not taxing resources unnecessarily. The local sheriff and your local fire department do not want to field calls about your burn and have them turn into a false alarm. In addition, you may have to obtain a burning permit.
3. Talk to your Neighbors. Let them know your plans, as a matter of safety and courtesy.
4. Establish Firebreaks. Create firebreaks by raking or plowing around the area that you would like to burn. Keep that area free of vegetation and wide enough to protect what you don't want damaged outside the burn area.
5. Ready Water and Equipment. Have a reliable water source available. Line up your hand tools such as rakes and shovels in advance and have them readily available for all participants.
6. Plan Before Burning. Begin with the areas that pose the greatest threat of becoming difficult to control. By beginning here, your fire is at its smallest size when it enters the highest fuel loads. Always try and burn into the wind, this slows the rate of spread and makes the fire easier to control
7. Control the Fire! Stay with the fire at all times. You may be liable for damage caused by your fire. Have plenty of helpers on hand. More people helping = more control Keep debris piles small. Large piles generate enough heat to damage nearby trees, power lines, and structures Do not hesitate to call 911 if the fire gets out of hand. The longer you wait, the bigger the fire will be when help does arrive! When finished, ensure that the fire is completely out. Numerous fires break out each year when smoldering areas are left behind. Make sure that your fire is out cold.
Remember: Your fire is your responsibility!

	Monitor our Severe Weather Summary Page for current Fire Weather Warnings, Watches, and Advisories. What's the difference?
	Check the latest Weather Story graphic for an overview of the area forecast.
	Passionate about this topic? Would you like to post a flyer about safe burning practices for your friends and neighbors? Feel free to click on the icon to the left and print a copy of our informational poster!
	A printable brochure with the above information for Fremont County can be found by clicking on the picture to the left. Click here for: Sublette County , Park County, Lincoln County, Sweetwater County, or Teton County
	Fremont County Firewise has a wealth of great information on making your home fire-resistant as well as providing you with many helpful links.
	Want an hour by hour forecast for your specific location? Try our Activity Planner tool to query our forecasts for certain parameters of interest (e.g. Wind Gusts over 25 mph) or you can see all forecast parameters on a graph for the next 48 hours by selecting the "48 Hour Element Meteorogram" below your Activity Planner forecast.
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