Risk of fire increases as dry conditions persist

Cornell's Department of Environmental Health and Safety reminds the campus community that the late summer weather has made local conditions favorable for brush, mulch and forest fires.

The lack of rain during July and the warm temperatures have left much of the grass, mulch, tree leaves and pine needles very dry. This year's early loss of leaves by maple trees also has contributed to the amount of dry vegetation on the ground.

EH&S offers the following reminders:

• Never discard cigarettes, matches or other smoking materials on the ground. Always use an ashtray.

• Be sure contents of ashtraps are fully extinguished before disposal. The best practice is to wet the contents before disposal.

• Use of outdoor barbecue grills is allowed on campus but not in the Plantations and gorges. Grills should be set up away from buildings and vehicles and not on dry vegetation.

• When disposing of charcoal from outdoor barbecues, soak the charcoal in water and wait until it is cold before disposal. Charcoal briquettes can retain much of their heat in the core and can continue to burn even after water has been applied to them.

• Open fires, such as campfires and bonfires, are only allowed on Cornell University property with a completed and approved Open Burning Permit. This permit requirement applies to all university departments, student organizations and individuals.

Contact Cornell Environmental Health and Safety at 255-8200 for more information.