Stop, drop and Call before you burn

Stop, drop and roll is what we are taught to do as kids if our clothes catch on fire. Stop, drop and call is something we should consider before starting a controlled burn. Stop before you start, drop the matches before you light them, and call the Big Horn County dispatch at 307-568-2324.

With Wyoming’s unpredictable weather, controlled burns can easily turn into out-of-control burns. Burns are to be called in before they are started, according to Big Horn County Fire Warden Brent Godfrey. This includes burning within towns. Those burning also need to call dispatch after they are done burning.

Controlled burns are already taking place in the county. Godfrey reminds those who are burning to check the weather forecast with the National Weather Service in Riverton. A calm day can turn into a windy one in a matter of minutes.

The person(s) burning is responsible for damages and could be held financially liable for damaged property and the crew time it takes to repair/replace what was burned. Power poles and fence posts are common casualties of burns.

Each year Godfrey provides the following tips:

• Always call before you burn.

• Have a water source nearby. Water tanks, a sprayer full of water, even buckets of water can make a difference.

• Have the right gear, such as gloves, boots, rakes and shovels.

• If there is not already a fire break (road, ditch, canal, etc.), make your own. As little as a 6-inch wide area of cleared dirt around the designated area could make a difference.

• Call when you are done burning.

• Keep an eye on the burned area to make sure wind gusts don’t cause something smoldering to flare up.