Burn with caution warning issued

FILE- Wind fueled fires burn in a pasture which was part of a fire that burned and stretched across Ellis, Russell, Osborne and Rooks counties, Dec. 16, 2021, …

FILE- Wind fueled fires burn in a pasture which was part of a fire that burned and stretched across Ellis, Russell, Osborne and Rooks counties, Dec. 16, 2021, near Natoma, Kan. A National Weather Service meteorologist says a long line of quick-moving thunderstorms across northern Texas and Oklahoma late Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023 likely qualified the event as a derecho. A derecho is often described as an inland hurricane. The storm has no eye and its powerful winds come across in a line, potentially causing widespread damage. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

by: Nick Koziara

Posted: Mar 31, 2023 / 06:03 PM MDT

Updated: Mar 31, 2023 / 06:03 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — Burn season is approaching the western slope and the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office has issued some tips to keep in mind before you burn.

Call dispatch at 970-249-9110
Do NOT burn on Red Flag days
Be prepared before beginning a burn with items to help put out the fire e.g. Hose, bucket, steel rake and shovel
Burn early in the day; winds start in the afternoon, avoid burning then
Stay with a fire until it is completely out
Plau a fire lane around the area to be burned if necessary
Separate large fields into smaller plots to stay in control of the burn.
Always check the weather; avoid burning in low-humidity conditions

Uncontrolled burns happen every year. While they are almost always accidental, they are also preventable. AN uncontrolled burn that enters another person’s property, even accidentally, can have both civil and criminal penalties. I am asking for the public’s help- please call into dispatch when you burn. This phone call is key as it helps save resources for emergency situations.
Sheriff Gene Lillard

Be sure to sign up for Montrose County Emergency alerts and visit the western slope fire information website for more information on regional wildfires and fire restrictions.