Brush Fire Season Approaching

[Henry]

We are getting close to the time of year when people like to start brush fires or burn knolls and areas where they didn't get to mow last year.  Some people are lucky, even though they seem to start the fires rather close to their homes or other people's homes.

I believe you don't need a permit until May 1st, but could be wrong.  Our Fire Warden last year was Duane Leach.  I don't believe that our Selectboard has appointed the Town Officers this year yet.  When I get a listing I will post it at:

http://www.vtgrandpa.com/fxtown/appoint_2008.html

[HayesFXFD17]

Some basic rules to remember:

Burn only natural materials Such as as grass, twigs, limbs, and untreated wood. 

Burn in small controlled areas - Be sure to have plenty of water in buckets or a hose readily available.

Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the site.  Many fires start up unexpectedly hours after the "controlled burn" has taken place.

Remember although you may have a permit, it in no way relieves the person to whom it is granted from any liability related to the fire or any damages it might cause.

It is illegal to burn: treated, painted or finished wood, garbage, plastics, tarpaper or asphalt shingles, tires and other rubber products along with paper and cardboard!!!!   Open burning of trash using a "burn barrel", "homemade incinerator", or simply in a pile on the ground, is not allowed in Vermont.

Final note to remember:  If the fire department is called and you are indeed burning illegal materials or without a permit...We WILL Extinguish the fire!!!!  Permits need to be obtained proactivly and will not be issued reactively by the fire department as we have no legal authority to grant permission to burn.

As of March 16th, 2009 the town of Fairfax Fire Wardens are:

Duane Leach - 849-6174
Paul Langelier- 849-2230

Please contact one of the above for permission to burn.  The Fire Department DOES NOT issue permission to burn!!

Fairfax Fire Department
Deputy Chief
Justin Hayes

[Henry]

A train passing through Milton started two grass fires Tuesday morning.

Crews say New England Rail was conducting routine track grinding when it sparked dry grass near the tracks. Fire officials say the rail company usually conducts the work this time of year but there is usually still snow on the ground. But since the snow melted weeks ago, the grass is very dry and can ignite very easily. About an acre burned.

New England Rail has suspended the track grinding.

http://www.wcax.com/global/story.asp?s=10061858

[Loctavious]

Mr Hayes,

       Do you know off hand what the penalty is for burning illegal materials?  ALSO, what is the procedure for reporting illegal burns?  I ask because i neighbor of mine has repeatedly called the town and the fire warden ( supposedly ) about our other neighbor's frequent practice of burning plastics and other caustic smelling materials. 

I, myself, have been out in my yard on a beautifully sunny day, tending my garden, when i've had to go inside and shut the windows because 'he's burning plastic again, honey'.  We 've reported it once before and wished to remain anonymous - yet the Warden we worked with, who i won't mention here, obviously told the violators as we got a phone call berating us afterwards.   Funny thing - they break the law they know they shoudln't.  They get in trouble as it's outlined in the law and what's suppose to happen in society and, then they're mad at everyone else.  These people would light the fire and head inside too! 

In fact the one day last season the neighbor reported it - there was a brush fire Up the road at a BRAND new house that just went up - burned a good acre of hillside forest land in front of their house too.  The violator, having driven right past the fire to get home that day, started a fire mound in his own yard - without a permit - burning illegal materials.  I know the warden came that day but never did hear if anything had been done.  Saw the fire unattended and smoldering even after he left too. 

If there's laws - our officials need to uphold them fairly - no matter who the perps/violators are - firend or foe.  I mean after a warning at least ( not 5 or 6).