From staff reports
The Burton Fire District responded to two trash fires that spread out of control within hours of each other last week.
Just past 3 p.m., Wednesday, May 11, Burton firefighters responded to a spreading fire in the woodland area off of Parker Drive that was started by a burning couch. The fire not only spread, but became deep seated in the underbrush.
Burton firefighters requested assistance from the MCAS Fire Department for special equipment to assist with access to the fire which took an hour and a half to extinguish.
Later that day, just before 7 p.m., Burton firefighters were again called to a spreading fire caused by a resident burning a mattress and other trash in their yard. The resident stated they thought they had extinguished the fire the night prior. It took fire crews an hour to extinguish the fire, but the home was not damaged.
The day prior, Burton firefighters extinguished two unattended yard debris fires after the residents left the fires smoldering and went inside to prepare for bed.
“With summer heat and dry conditions approaching, these fires become more dangerous because they will spread out of control quickly,” Burton Fire Captain Chris Moyer, who responded to all four fires, said in a release. “Just as dangerous is burning trash. Not only is it illegal to burn trash and they can quickly spread out of control, but they release carcinogens which can become a health concern for those who are exposed to the smoke.”
More information on the Beaufort County Outdoor Burning Ordinance can be found on the Beaufort County Government website. Residents living in incorporated areas of the county are encouraged to check with their local fire department for their rules and regulations.
