NTUA issues burn warning

By Brian Hassler
Staff Writer

SHIPROCK — A recent fire scare and the change of seasons has been enough reason for the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority to remind Shiprock residents of safe practices while burning weeds.

Residents in the Navajo Nation have begun clearing fields for spring planting and have been burning weeds to clear the fields.

The NTUA is also cautioning residents that occasionally field burning can result in safety hazards, especially when a fire is unattended. Such a fire could create hazardous situations that could affect local homes, hospitals, schools, businesses and interrupt electrical services.

NTUA superintendent Herbert Beyale, Jr., points to the burning of weeds and other flammable materials near utility poles as another problem when fields begin to be cleared for spring planting.

"Most importantly," said Beyale. "People should not burn weeds near utility poles. People need to understand that electrical poles are treated with special preservatives to extend the life of the poles. While these preservatives are good against internal decay, and sometimes against insect infestation, it is petroleum-based and makes it very susceptible to fire."

Though many of the poles aren't close to the fields, Beyale still cautions against allowing fires to draw too close to the poles.

"A majority of our poles are located away from cultivated fields," he said. "Normally, (they are) on the outlying areas of the fields, however, this is where underbrush and weeds accumulate over the year and this creates fuels for fire and potential fire hazards. In the past, some of these poles have caught fire."

Other tips from the NTUA include the avoidance of burning weeds on windy days due to fires becoming uncontrollable as well as making sure that weeds and underbrush are cleared away from the base of the utility poles before starting.

Having a fire extinguisher on hand while burning and contacting local fire department members before burning are also suggestions that Beyale feels will help for a safe burn.

"If you consider these basic ideas, your seasonal field preparation does not have to get expensive by damaging utility services or interrupting service," said Beyale.

— Brian Hassler is The Independent's Four Corners reporter based in Shiprock. Contact him at (505) 360-7862 or via email at brianhassler@hotmail.com.