To burn or not to burn...

That is often the question, in this rural area where many people incinerate their trash in open fires.

You can find out if there's a burn ban in effect here, the Washington Parish Government site. Look in the box on the right-hand side of the page.

And please use common sense if you're burning. There are worse things than an unkempt yard right now - like igniting your house, or starting a brush fire. We've had plenty of both since Katrina.

Clear the area around the fire, and wet it down. Don't use accelerants. Pick a day without wind; I can't believe the numbers of people who've tried burning debris in 15 MPH and higher gusts. Duh, people! Watch your fire. Stay out there, with the hose, and dampen it down if it gets too rowdy. Know what I mean? You can always burn the rest of it later.

Stay safe, and let's not overwork our volunteer fire crews.

A couple relevant Daily News articles:
Thursday morning fire
Out of control debris fires