After four lives were lost as a result of separate open burns in Louisiana, the State Fire Marshal’s Office issues an unprecedented safety warning. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue said spring cleaning tends to prompt open burns as people want to easily rid of debris, but it can become dangerous very quickly.
“These situations are getting out of control very fast so that’s why we wanted to make sure that we raise awareness about this situation to the public,” said Rodrigue.
Rodrigue said first you check if open burns are legal in your area and pay close attention to weather conditions, especially wind speeds and direction because they can change quickly.
“So, make sure you’re looking for long term, all day long weather conditions and if it’s supposed to be windy put it off to another day. It’s been dry for a long time, put it off until after it’s going to rain,” said Rodrigue.
If you are in an area that permits open burns, Rodrigue said to be sure that it is at least 75 feet away from any structure including your neighbors. Also, set a five-foot wet control line around the burn area.
“These embers and the flames they can kind of blow off the original pile and catch if of course if there are dry conditions around and a way to try to keep the fire down so it can’t extend past that five-foot line,” said Rodrigue.
Rodrigue said never use flammable liquids to ignite the burn, have a water source handy and never leave it unattended. And if it gets out of control call 911 do not try to take matters into your own hands.
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