Starting a fire under dry conditions could be dangerous

By Shavonne Potts

Salisbury Post

Rowan County, like many other North Carolina counties, is in a moderate drought. And although Rowan is not under a burning ban, starting a fire could pose some dangers.

Dry conditions contributed to a large brush fire Friday afternoon near the new Drummond Village subdivision off Earnhardt and Stokes Ferry roads. That fire burned about 4 acres. No cause has been determined.

"About 90 percent of our fires come from people burning debris," Rowan County Forest Ranger Rodney Kreiser said.

Debris fires potentially getting out of hand should be a cause for caution among residents.

Cities including Salisbury and Rockwell typically pick up yard debris such as leaves, so there's no need to burn.

Kreiser explained that only leaves, branches and other plant growth can legally be burned, which means no trash, lumber or tires.

"Violating that can lead up to a fine of up to $10,000," he said.

Violators get warning tickets first, then citations. It's a possible misdemeanor charge for letting a fire escape. Intentionally setting a fire can lead to a felony charge.

The problem firefighters and forest rangers have battling wood fires, Kreiser said, is that timber is under extreme stress because of drought conditions, which makes it more difficult to extinguish the fire.

It's not illegal to burn yard debris, but Kreiser said the forest service prefers residents wait until there area gets a little more rain before they begin burning.

The N.C. Division of Air Quality enforces the state open-burning rules.

Kreiser said that in order to burn, a person must obtain a permit.

Anyone planning to burn should make sure to have adequate means of controlling a fire on hand.

Also, make certain the area around the burn site is clear of other flammable items.

Contact Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253 or spotts@salisburypost.com.