Local volunteer firemen provided the following guidelines to aide those wanting to burn pastures, CRP land, brush piles and other control burns as published in the Washington County News newspaper.

1.      Obtain a burn permit. All people planning a control burn must contact a fireman in their district to obtain a burn permit. It is important to get a burn permit from the fire district where the burn will take place. (Refer to the listing on linked page.)

     People must then call the Washington County Sheriff' Department at 785-325-2293 before burning begins. People will be asked to provide their name, burn permit number, what will be burned and the section number and location of the burn. Firemen caution people planning to burn to be sure they are burning in the location reported to the Sheriff's Department. When passers by see a fire they think is unattended, they will often report it to the Sheriff's Department. Burning in the correct location will save a false dispatch to the fire department.

2.      Watch the weather forecast. Listen to several different weather forecasts as they all tend to be a little different. Officials say the wind should stay in the direction most favorable for the burn for at least 24 hours. This will prevent a sudden, unexpected wind change that can prove dangerous. Wind speed of five to 10 miles an hour are recommended to move the fire along in the correct direction. Burns can be done at higher wind speeds that are steady and in a favorable direction, although people are cautioned to be ready for high wind gusts. Local firemen encouraged people to wait for the appropriate wind before lighting a fire. Waiting a day or two for the wind to change is much safer and less dangerous than fighting the wind. Local firemen said most out of control grass fires in Washington County are the result of wind changes or lack of back burns.

3.      Have plenty of water and plenty of help. Firemen recommend five to six people when participating in a control burn, although the appropriate number of people will depend on the area being burned. Several four wheelers and other ATV's with water tanks, as well as pick-up trucks or tractors with water tanks, are recommended. Fire officials say a lack of water contributes to fires that get out of control.

4.      Plan ahead. Explain to everyone the plan before the burn begins so that every one knows their job. Several experienced people helping with the burn are recommended. By law, burns must begin before sunset. It is recommended to burn during daylights hours so that those unfamiliar with the burn area don't run into large ditches, fences, ponds, etc. Those in charge of the burn are reminded to keep track of those helping so that no one gets burned.

5.      Back burns are important Local firemen said some people don't want to take the time to do a good back burn, but they are often key to keeping a fire under control.

6.      Know when a fire is out of control, and what to do if it is. When it becomes known that those burning cannot get the fire back under control, or if equipment breaks down and there is no way to control the fire, someone should call 911. The exact location of the fire needs to be given as well as a cell phone number. Local firemen also recommend giving the name of the person who owns the property being burned or the names of nearby neighbors or property because many members of the fire department know the area well and can respond more quickly to a name than a physical address.

Local firemen also encouraged people to attend burn schools that are put on in the area to learn more about safe burning.

Those in charge of control burns are asked to call the people (on the listing provided) to obtain a burn permit.

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