Patience, protocol and common sense are the three major areas local authorities are highlighting this ongoing burn season.
As you know, the 2021 burn season has gotten off to a quick and hectic start with area firefighters battling a series of burns, sometimes simultaneously, over the past week. In addition, Lyon County Emergency Communications Center Director Roxanne Van Gundy says they already have a lengthy list of concerns besides the sudden surge in grass fires.
According to Van Gundy, some of the major problems stem from individuals not following proper procedures before, during and sometimes after conducting a burn. She says there has already been more than one instance where individuals have failed to call their burns in before they get underway.
Van Gundy adds when residents call in to report their burn they need to provide information such as their name, location and the size of the burn in the event the fire becomes out of control.
Van Gundy went on to say there has been an issue with patience from those who are calling into the communications center. She reminds residents that when they call their burns in they are calling an active 911 center which means there may be some waiting required.
Residents should also check the weather forecast several days in advance of a controlled burn to be aware of the potential fire danger.
To conduct a controlled burn residents must have a valid burn permit. You can find additional information on the county’s website Lyoncounty.org.
