Spring means the focus for local residents turns to outdoor projects. For some, part of the work involves burning. This week, Kalona Fire Chief Jerry Zahradnek spoke with KCII News about tips for those who use fire to help with the process. “Everyone just needs to be careful. Pay attention to your wind. Please contact the safety center prior to burning. That way they know that you are having a controlled burn and they can contact us and let us know that we have a controlled burn in our district. When you’re done, you can call them back and say my controlled burn is finished and they actually have a contact number.”  

Zahradnek advises that those who will be burning check outlets like the National Weather Service and KCII for the latest conditions regarding wind, humidity and moisture. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach suggests a burn plan be developed in advance. They also recommend abiding by the following guidance: Do not burn when smoke will blow toward populated areas, major roads or highways, wind speeds should be between five and 15 mph for grasslands and 20-25mph for hardwood timber litter fires and direction should be checked. Be sure to check for fire weather watches, red flag warnings or frontal shift changes. Avoid burning during periods of drought with the best conditions for relative humidity being between 35 and 55 percent for prairie and 30 to 50 percent for forested areas. Do not burn early in the morning, and do not burn in young or overly mature areas.