Ontario Fire Chief shares burning recommendations following increase in fires

ONTARIO — Fire departments in Malheur County and surrounding areas have experienced a recent uptick in fire incidents. A number of these incidents have been caused by unattended or escaped burns.

Ontario Fire Chief Clint Benson stresses the importance of staying with your fire. He told our newsroom, “For Ontario Fire & Rescue, we routinely have a number of fires this time of year caused by unattended burning.” The Chief also said, “Small wind shifts can cause fire to move to unexpected places and get out of control very quickly. Wind is usually the variable that catches people off guard, so, I recommend not burning if even light, breezy conditions.”

Chief Benson shared a few of his recommendations to the public:

(From Ontario Fire Chief Clint Benson)

Some of my recommendations for the public are as follows:

• Ensure someone is in attendance during all burning periods
• Do not burn in breezy or hot conditions 
• Have some type of water supply nearby, shovel(s), and a cell phone, when burning
• Obtain a burn permit from the authority having jurisdiction
• If you see something, say something. If something doesn’t look right, please call your local dispatch and report it.
• Be aware of and abide by local and state laws regarding fireworks
• Never use accelerants, such as flammable liquids, to start fires.
• Keep all flammable liquids and gasses stored far away from and downwind from fire. 
• Clear all vegetation and debris a good distance away (10’+) from the area that is to be burned. 

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Elkhorn Media Group