Open burn period for Cache County extended until November 5^th

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cache County Fire District

Jason Winn, Fire Marshal

435-755-1674

10/27/2011

The Cache County Fire District announced today that the open burn period normally scheduled from October 1^st – October 31^st will be extended until November 5^th this year. Air quality laws stipulate that open burning is only allowed when the Clearing Index, an air quality/smoke dispersal index, is above 500. The Clearing Index includes the air mixing depth and transport winds to determine if smoke will be dissipated into the atmosphere. Open burning has not been allowed for over half of the days during the month of October due to poor smoke dispersal models in Cache Valley.

 “Air quality is an important issue in Cache Valley” Cache County Fire Chief Rod Hammer said. “By monitoring the Clearing Index and only allowing open burning on days when the smoke will dissipate, we can help ensure better air quality.”

The open burn period allows the burning of natural material including tree limbs, leaves, and yard and garden waste incidental to property clean-up. Burning of household or construction waste, rubbish, cardboard, plastics, tires, hazardous chemicals, fuels, and other processed or man-made materials is prohibited.

An open burn permit must be obtained through your local fire department or the Cache County Fire District. No open burning is permitted within Logan City. Burn piles and fires must be small. All open burning must be 50 feet from any buildings or construction. Someone 18 or older must be with the fire at all times. A water source must be kept nearby. All fires must be out by dark. If there are any complaints from neighbors or if the smoke obstructs traffic, you may be asked to extinguish your fire.

Agricultural burning of stubble fields, fence lines, ditch banks, and commercial orchards are exempt from clearing index restrictions and the open burn period; however, individuals are required to notify their local fire department of such burns.

Contact your local fire department or the Cache County Fire District at 755-1670 for burn permits.