Juneau, Alaska (KINY) – With the weather beginning to change, it’s essential to be mindful of open burning practices to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. Capital City Fire Rescue shares some vital tips to keep in mind:
Minimize Smoke Complaints: Excessive smoke can lead to complaints and investigations. Avoid burning during the cool morning hours when smoke tends to linger.
Dry Out Green Branches: Give wet green branches some time to dry before burning to reduce smoke emissions.
Watch Out for Leaves: Leaves are notorious for producing lots of smoke. Consider using a leaf blower to help heat up your fire and reduce smoke.
Start Small, Build Slow: Begin your fires with smaller flames and gradually increase their size. This approach helps manage smoke production more effectively.
Know What’s Considered Open Burning: Remember, cooking fires, recreational warming fires, and devices with chimneys, stacks, or flues do not require burn permits and are not classified as open burning.
Reporting Smoke Impact: If you’re directly impacted by smoke, don’t hesitate to contact Capitol City Fire Rescue lodge a complaint.
Interpreting Smoke Signals: Single columns of white smoke in wooded areas are likely campfires. However, widespread plumes of smoke could indicate a wildland fire. Black smoke suggests non-natural products burning or a vehicle/structure fire.
