Ash Fires A Problem

Sonora, CA — CAL Fire reports that local officials have responded to three fires over the past week where the cause was the improper disposal of ashes.

Fireplaces are becoming more popular as the temperatures are starting to drop. The three recent ash fires ended up burning a total of nine acres.

CAL Fire Prevention Bureau Battalion Chief Matt Gilbert says, “When ashes are left in a pile they can smolder for days and with the slightest of winds they can be blown into nearby dry vegetation.”

CAL Fire has the following safety recommendations:

-Make sure ashes are cool/cold.
-Transport ashes outside in a sturdy container.
-Review the surrounding vegetation and choose a spot which is mostly bare soil.
-Use the extinguishing a campfire method – drown and stir the ashes to make sure there are no hot spots and the ashes are cold.