Murphy, NC Fire Safety in the Mountains!

With all the nice spring weather lately many people are cleaning up their yards and burning the leftover season’s debris. Before you get started, here are some safe burning tips. Even though we’ve had lots of rain in the Murphy, NC and surrounding western NC, north GA and east TN mountains - we still need to take precautions when burning. Here is the list of Cherokee and Clay County Permit Locations.

We also spoke to Steve Baumgartner, Cherokee County Deputy Fire Marshall and he shared these important tips for safe burning in our beautiful mountains…

* Make sure you have a valid permit.

* Check with local officials – outside burning may be prohibited.

* Check the weather – don’t burn on dry, windy days.

* Local fire officials can recommend a safe way for burning debris. Don’t pile it on the ground. It should be placed in a cleared area, away from overhead branches in a screened receptacle.

* Debris should not be accumulated for several days and then ignited. It becomes compacted and wet, increasing the air pollution and makes the fire burn longer, requiring more watching.

* Check your local laws on burning debris.

* Consider the alternatives to burning. Some types of debris – such as leaves, grass and stubble may be of more value if they are not burned, but used for mulching. Household trash should be hauled away to a recycling station and never burned.

* Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. To control the fire you will need a hose, bucket and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire.

Visit Lee & Carol Barbour ~ The Mountain Living Team at www.MurphyMountainLiving.com

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