it is important that any burn piles that may have been active in the past few days be checked for hot embers, even if the pile appears out on the surface smoldering embers are possible at the bottom of the pile. “The predicted seasonal spring winds and lower humidity’s can cause even old piles to reignite and quickly spread” stated Unit Chief Greg McFadden. “We have seen residential dooryard burn piles reignite and spread beyond the resident’s control in the past few days.” As always, citizens using fire should do so safely. The following are guidelines that must be followed in order to burn safely and legally: - Burn Hours are 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. – out cold at 11:00 a.m. - Only small piles of vegetative waste may be burned. - Burn barrels are no longer allowed. - Before burning in Butte County, you MUST call the Butte County Air Quality Management District at 332-9407 or at www.bcaqmd.org to determine air quality burn day status. - Provide a 10’ area free of flammable materials and vegetation around all burn piles and incinerators. - Have a water source available and an adult in attendance. - Pay attention to weather conditions and forecasts. - Do not burn on windy days. - Do not leave smoldering fires unattended. - Make sure that the fire is out when the control burn is completed. - Residents must have their copy of the valid permit accessible when burning. - The yearly burn ban will be implemented on June 1st, 2014 or sooner if conditions warrant. Remember, persons burning are responsible to maintain control of their fire. If a fire escapes your control, you may be held criminally and civilly responsible for all costs associated with the suppression of the fire and the damage that it caused. If you need further information about safe burning, please stop by your local fire station or contact the CAL FIRE/Butte County Fire Rescue Fire Prevention Bureau at (530) 538-7888