This brush fire near College Highway is an example of why residents must adhere to burning permit rules. (THE WESTFIELD NEWS FILE PHOTO)
SOUTHWICK – With more people at home during the coronavirus pandemic, burn permits are on the rise in Southwick.
“Last year at this time we had about 200 permits and this year we have over 400,” said Fire Chief Russell Anderson.
The open burn season ends May 1 and residents are allowed to burn daily, depending on weather conditions.
“From a fire standpoint, earlier is better for burning,” said Anderson. “We are starting to see more wind conditions and dry conditions, so toward the end of the season, there are less days people can burn.”
The current process to obtain a permit is easy and complies with social distancing orders. Anderson said there is a log in the lobby of the fire station on Depot Street. Residents need to sign the log book with their information and can then take a permit with the, without every interacting in person with personnel. There is a phone in the lobby for questions.
The Southwick Fire Department posts a daily update on conditions and whether or not open burning is allowed that day.
“Residents have to get and use a permit on the same day,” Anderson said. “People can get a permit between 8 a.m. and noon, and burning is allowed from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.”
Anderson said there has been a decent amount of rain, however, buds are not on trees yet, which is usually a sign that conditions are dry and not good for burning. Recent winds have also factored into decisions not to allow burning some days.
Anderson offered the following rules for burning:
Brush, cane and driftwood, and forestry debris from other than commercial or industrial land clearing operations is allowed under the following conditions: Burning must be at least 75 feet from all dwellings; burning must take place on the land closest to the source of the material to be burned; burning must be conducted during periods of good atmospheric ventilation and without causing a nuisance, approved from the Fire Department which will ultimately be determined by the DEP air quality control division.
While burning, someone 18 years of age must attend the fire until completely extinguished and a water supply, such as a pressurized water pump can or hose, and shovels or rakes for controlling the fire, should be available. When extinguishing the fire, burn the fire down to coals and spread the coals with snow, water, sand or soil. Fires may not be left to burn out.
Burning of brush, trees, cane and driftwood from commercial and or institutional land clearing operations, grass, hay, leaves and stumps and tires is prohibited statewide .
