Wildfire and Outdoor Fire Season is here and has already been busy for us in Loyalsock Township. As members of the community have already taken advantage of the nice warm weather, starting winter debris clean up around their homes, disposal of the debris is often burned. We encourage members of the community to keep their property clean and free from hazards, however please be mindful in selecting the right day to burn off those debris materials. Loyalsock Township does have a burning ordinance for the community and can be found here. For more information on the ordinance, please contact the Loyalsock Township Office.
Windy and dry days are not best choices! Fires and burn pits can spread due to the wind and dry ground. In addition, just because it may be contained in a pit, does not mean it is a good idea to walk away from the fire. Folks still need to maintain a careful eye to ensure the fire does not spread or jump the fire barriers.
Here are some helpful tips on Wildfire Safety and Outdoor Fire Safety:
Wildfire Safety:
- Create a safety zone of up to 100 feet around your home. Remove pine needles and dry leaves from around your home. Keeping woodpiles at least 30 feet from your home.
- Know your community’s local evacuation plan. Plan ahead by practicing two ways out of your home, and neighborhood. You should know the evacuation route and plan a place where you will go.
- If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately. If you wait until the last minute, the roads may have heavy traffic. Blowing embers and debris from the fire may make it hard to se.
- Stay informed. Listen to the TV/Radio broadcasts for current weather and emergency instructions. Don’t be afraid to sign-up to receive local emergency alerts and warnings on both your home and cellphone.
- Make sure everyone in your family knows your meeting place ahead of time. Let your family and friends who don’t live in your area know your meeting place.
- Keep your vehicles fueled and keep an emergency supply bag in your car. Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape.
Outdoor Fire Safety:
- Move the grill away from siding, decking, and other things that can catch fire.
- Stay with the grill the entire time you’re cooking.
- Use long-handled barbecue tools when cooking on the grill.
- Use a metal screen over wood-burning fires to keep sparks from floating out.
- Turn off or put out fires before you leave the area.
- Build campfires at least 15 feet away from tent walls, shrubs, or other things that burn.
If you have questions on selecting the proper day to burn, please click here for the most up to date fire indications.
