Firefighters say don’t burn during windy, dry conditions
Windy conditions Thursday, March 26, elevated a brush fire to a structure fire near the Butler/Lawrence County line off Route 422. It’s exactly why firefighters advocate not to burn in windy conditions.
“Don’t burn when it’s windy or when it’s dry,” said Cody Craig, an assistant chief for the Chicora Volunteer Fire Department.
The department responded to brush fires in Chicora and Donegal townships on Thursday, the largest of which stretched just over an acre and about 25 feet from a structure.
“People need to realize the ground may be saturated, but the stuff on top is dry,” Craig said.
The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh will sometimes issue special weather reports when the combination of high winds, low humidity and a low dew point create risks of brush fires.
“All it takes is a spark,” a NWS spokesperson said.
The weather service spokesperson said any wind gusts above 20 mph can cause a risk of brush fires. They’re most frequent at the end of winter when dead litter and fuels cover the ground before new greenery has sprouted. New greenery usually has enough moisture in it so fire doesn’t spread as easily.
The other major season for brush fires is during the fall, when strong winds combine with fresh litter.
Craig recommended using a burn barrel when setting up a controlled burn at home. He said controlled burns should always be monitored and have a garden hose or water source standing by.
He added each municipality typically has its own ordinances for burning that should be followed.
Brush fires can still begin from old controlled burns. Craig said strong winds can penetrate the ashes and spread any remaining active embers through the air to more fuel.
Craig said the spread always depends on the wind, but he’s seen brush fires start from controlled burns two days prior.
He added residents should always sort through the ashes and extinguish any remaining embers before leaving the site unattended.
