Statewide burn ban finally lifted

Last week’s rains provided welcome relief and prompted the lifting of the statewide burn ban.

Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain officially gave the green light to outdoor burning, but cautioned residents in heavily wooded areas to continue reducing the fire risk around their homes.

“The state had some rain but these damp conditions could change very quickly,” Strain said in a release. “And in reality, our wildfire season is typically from Dec. 1 through April 15.”

Strain recommends homeowners take the following steps to reduce the risk of wildfire damage to their property.

• Keep wild vegetation near homes trimmed and at least 30 feet away from the house and other structures.

• Equip all machinery with proper spark arrestors.

• Refuel equipment in areas void of vegetation.

• Practice extra caution when fire danger is high.

• Remove all leaves or pine needles within 30 feet of a structure.

• Thin tree stands and brush to eliminate continuous vegetation that can promote wildfire spread.

According to the state agriculture department, 525 wildfires burned more than 6,407 acres in October – a significant increase over the state’s eight wildfires in October 2009.