The Spark: Wildfire Preparedness is Year-Round

One of the top sources of human-caused wildfires this year: Improperly disposed hot ashes.

This month’s edition of The Spark bulletin breaks down the misconceptions and proper steps of seeing a fire through to its end.

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As temperatures drop and leaves begin to change, many New Mexicans are preparing to heat their homes with wood stoves and fireplaces. While cooler weather may bring a welcome decrease in wildfire activity, the risk of fire does not disappear. In fact, improperly disposed wood ash can become an unexpected source of ignition during the fall and winter months.

Before tossing your ashes, remember: Gray does not necessarily mean cold. Ashes and partially burned wood can retain enough heat to ignite combustible materials long after a fire appears to be extinguished. Improperly disposed ashes can start house fires, ignite vegetation or cause a trash fire when placed in garbage cans or other containers with combustible materials. This is an important reminder that even when wildfire season appears to be winding down, carelessness can still have significant consequences.

Place wood ashes in a noncombustible container. Photo courtesy El Dorado County Fire Protection District.
When cleaning out a wood stove, fireplace or fire pit, assume that gray ash is still warm. Place the ashes by themselves in a sealed noncombustible container, such as a metal bin with a tight-fitting lid, and allow them to cool for 24 to 96 hours, recognizing that larger quantities may require several days to cool completely. Never use cardboard boxes, paper bags, plastic containers or other combustible or meltable materials to store warm ashes. Keep the closed container outdoors on a noncombustible surface and at least 10 feet away from buildings, decks, firewood and other combustible materials. Do not place warm or potentially hot ashes in household trash, as hidden embers can ignite garbage or trash containers. Once the ashes have cooled completely, you can place them in a plastic bag, tie it securely and dispose of it in your curbside trash can or at a solid waste transfer station.

 
ADDITIONAL TIPS
  • Ash from untreated, unpainted wood can sometimes be reused around the garden. Wood ash can provide nutrients and raise soil pH, and small amounts may be added to compost. Do not use ash from treated, painted, stained or chemically processed wood in gardens or compost.
  • As hunting and bonfire season gets underway, the same principles of careful fire management still apply. Before leaving an outdoor fire, make sure it is dead out by using the drown, stir, feel and repeat method.