This afternoon (4/14/2023) firefighters and engines from MCFR and Dallesport Fire responded to a grass fire on Knob Hill off of Cherry Heights in The Dalles. The fire started from discarded ash and coals thought to be well cooled after four days. The ash and coals were dumped in an area of green grass.
This is a good reminder for folks to make sure coals and ashes are dead out and to wet them down before discarding. Even after four days, the coals held enough heat to ignite green grass.
If you’re cleaning out your stove or fire place, it is best to put ashes into a metal container, with a tight fitting lid, and remove the bucket or container to an area where there are no combustibles near by. Let the bucket of ashes and coals cool for several days or wet and stir until they are completely extinguished. Feel the ashes for heat by hovering the back of your hand over the coals, stir them some more and feel them again. Once you are sure they are completely cooled, then they can be discarded in your trash or garden.
Photo’s from MCFR Facebook page:
