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We Have A Joint NTMP With Our Neighbor

Q: We have a joint NTMP with our neighbor and have just completed logging (Siskiyou County). Most of the trees were skidded to landings intact, and limbed there. We have very large slash piles, and our forester would like them burned so future harvests can utilize those landings. Any recommendations as to how to burn those piles safely and completely?

A: I have burned many slash piles like this over the years. First of all, if the slash is from this summer, leave it for a year to dry. If the pile is a year or more old it should be ready to burn. Do not try to burn during the dry part of the year because it will burn hot and will burn for several days. Plan to burn in the winter time when there is no risk of fire spreading. Prepare three or four covered spots with plastic or burn paper as dry spots for starting the fire.
Have a piece of equipment, (dozer or front-end loader) on site when you burn to push the pile together as it burns down. This could take two or three days to push the pile together to get a clean burn. Before starting the burn check weather conditions to be sure that winds are not predicted. Ideal conditions are with a little snow on the ground or a recent rain.

Be sure to get a burn permit from Cal Fire and County Air Quality Control. Check each morning to be sure it is a burn day. Have at least two or three people on site in case you get some small spot fires. Have a clearance of vegetation to mineral soil around the piles at least 15 feet wide.

If you follow these guidelines, you will have a safe and successful burn.

Jim Chapin, RPF 915