June 30, 2006

Exercise caution this Fourth of July to prevent wildfires

Daily fire dangers in western Nebraska are in the extreme category, said Don Westover, fire program leader for the Nebraska Forest Service, based at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

"And the rest of the state still needs rain so be careful as things are dry," he said.

July also is when lightning fires increase dramatically.

"Although we can't prevent lightning, we can prevent wildfires caused by people," he said. "We all need to give serious thought to what we are doing when outdoors this summer. If you must play with fireworks, make sure they are legal and safely used. Parental supervision and judgment are very important."

Westover recommends Nebraskans instead watch displays put on by professionals.

Another cause of wildfires in Nebraska is debris burning. Anyone doing any open burning must have a burn permit, he said. Contact your local fire chief to obtain a permit.

In addition, individuals driving into grassy fields need to remember dry grass touching a vehicle's exhaust system could ignite a fire.

Harvest danger

Harvesting operations can cause wheat fires, which can be extremely costly when the combine and the unharvested crop are destroyed.

Keeping machinery well lubricated and clean can help reduce fires caused from friction-igniting crop residues, which seem to accumulate on horizontal surfaces, belts and hot manifolds.

"Every combine and truck entering the field should be equipped with a fire extinguisher," he said. "Harvesting the downwind side of the field first is a good idea. That way, if a fire does start, it will burn the stubble rather than the unharvested wheat."