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Fire Spreads From Burn Pile On Road 426

OAKHURST – When a burn pile was lit off by a resident on Road 426, the fire didn’t confine itself to the pile of leaves and debris.

Just after 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18, engines responded to a report of smoke just west of Oak Ridge Drive near the Llama Ranch on 426. The fire spread to adjacent vegetation and consumed about 1/8 acre before firefighters got it knocked down.

Cal Fire Engine 4254 and Madera County Fire Department Engine 12 responded, along with Water Tender 16. Crews put a line around the blaze, keeping it confined to just vegetation, though it burned around several old cars and pieces of equipment, and there were two homes in close proximity.

Road 426 near Llama Ranch 12-18-13Though the fire was out quickly, firefighters had to spend some time turning and hosing down the dense pile, making sure it was out cold before leaving.

Though restrictions have been lifted for hazard reduction burning, residents must still follow the guidelines of the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (APCD), and only burn on designated days. Today is a no-burn day, and citations can be issued for illegal burns.

Click here to visit the APCD website to check on permissible burn days, and learn what types of materials are okay to burn and what is prohibited.

Anyone burning must have a burn permit. They are free and can be picked up at your local Cal Fire Station. When you are issued your permit, you will be provided with the information you need to burn safely, cleanly and legally. To check with APCD for permissible burn days, call 1-877-429-2876.

People should also be aware that you may be liable for the cost of suppression efforts if your fire gets away from you, and also for damage to other people’s property. Learn before you burn at http://www.valleyair.org/Home.htm

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Sierra News Online

Sierra News Online