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Another Debris Burn Escapes Near Oakhurst

OAKHURST – Once again firefighters were called out to respond to hazard reduction burn that got away, this one on Road 620 just west of Highway 41.

Cal Fire Engines 4254 and 4264, along with Madera County Engine 18 and Sierra National Forest Engine 53, were dispatched to a residence to deal with an escaped burn just after 1:30 p.m on Saturday, Apr. 11.

Firefighters got a line around the blaze in short order, and held it to just over one-quarter acre, but with gusting winds, dry fuels, heavy brush and a steep slope, the danger was very real.

Cal Fire Battalion Chief Troy Cheek reminds residents that just because it’s a burn day, doesn’t mean it’s safe to burn.

“The fuels are really drying out fast,” says Cheek. “The recent rain may have helped a little, but everyone still has to be extremely careful.”

Anyone considering hazard reduction burning should check the burn permit they are required to have, and note the admonition against burning when conditions are hot, dry or windy.

If your burn pile escapes, not only would you be endangering life and property, you could also be responsible for suppression costs.

Residents are reminded that burn days are determined based on air movement and wind factors, not on fuel moisture levels.

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Sierra News Online

Sierra News Online