>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

IMBLER — Fire District Secretary Terrie Teeter would like to remind residents living in the Imbler Rural Fire District of the burning barrel safety requirements as dryer weather arrives.

Home burn barrels should be made of heavy metal and be in sound condition without holes in the sides or bottom.

For maximum combustion, small holes may be punched into the barrel near the bottom and steel rods shoved through the barrel to hold burning material up off the bottom of the barrel.

A combustion hole beneath the rods will allow more oxygen to enter the barrel for a clean, fast burn.

However, this hole should be covered by a mesh screen made of at least 14-gauge wire with 1/4-inch holes.

A heavy metal screen should also be placed over the top of the barrel when burning to prevent fire brands or burning material from flying out of the barrel.

A minimum clearance of 10 feet should be maintained around the barrel to prevent grass fires.

For more information about these requirements, Teeter may be reached at the fire district’s office at 534-6351.