After spending the last 7 hours fighting two very large (well ok, very large to our small town) brush fires, I ask everyone here to use common sense when burning brush (for those of you allowed to do so). We had a very windy day here in MA, and our towns chief would not issue burning permits for obvious reasons. Unfortunetly, a few home owners decided to go ahead and burn anyway. One of them learned their lesson the hard way.
After 2 1/2 hours we were able to get a 2 acre fire under controll, only to have to go across town to a 5 acre fire. This fire was not so innocent. It seems a developer decided to burn some cleared timbers and had three small piles going. After leaving them (which he thought were out) one jumped the pile to the woods causing four towns to commit to the woods.
My message here is not to discourage homeowners from burning brush on their property, only to check with you local authorities first and listen if they say it is unsafe.
Just like we tell the kids, keep safe and think smart.
Replies
Good advice, Jim.
Jim,
After what we went through here in the San Diego area this past autumn, I doubt you'll find many of us disagreeing with you!
Despite my previous statement, however, I'm absolutely amazed to see some folks are still tossing lit cigarette butts out of their car windows.
As my brother likes to say, "The two most abundant elements in the universe are hydrogen and stupidity."
-Jazzdogg-
Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.
Edited 4/20/2004 9:22 pm ET by jazzdogg
I know what you mean. It seems everywhere I turn, I see people doing stupid things, not only with fire hazards, but everyday stuff. Whenever we have a busy couple of days (calls seem to be in clusters here) I'm always on edge and am more aware of what everyone else is doing and to be honest, it scares me.
Hope this summer treats you guys better than last year's did, I'm sure everyone out there can use a break.Jim
Coventry Woodworking
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