Wednesday, November 19, 2003
|
Wednesday, November 19, 2003 |
|
Wildfire risk up with cool weather Georgia’s risk for wildfire heightens as the weather cools, killing vegetation that can serve as dry fuel for such blazes, according to Jeff Kenerly, Chief Ranger of the Georgia Forestry Commission. The commission is especially alert for fires beginning in the fall through spring seasons because of the buildup of dead vegetation, officials say. Careless burning remains the top cause of all wildfires in Georgia, Kenerly said. Many people who burn leaves and debris in the back yards or landowners who burn off woodlands or farmland often let their fires get out of hand, creating problems, officials said. Although the commission uses aircraft for wildfire detection, the public is needed to report wildfires also, Kenerly said. “Don’t ever assume that someone else has or will report a fire,” Kenerly said. “Fast detection and reporting is important to reducing the damage caused by wildfire, as well as keeping fire sizes small. Georgia residents must first get permission to burn from their local fire department. Locally, such requests can be submitted by telephone. Peachtree City residents should call 770-631-2588, ext. 555; Fayetteville residents should call 770-461-4548; residents in unincorporated Fayette County, Tyrone, Brooks and Woolsey should call 770-460-5730, ext. 5468. For more information or assistance with outdoor burning, contact the GFC at 770-227-5522 or 770-358-1459. — John Munford
|
||