I have been asked a few times about how Solon Fire determines if burn permits will be allowed or not. So, I will take a few minutes and try to explain. It may be informative for some and pretty much boring for others, but here we go!!
Each morning when I get to the office, unless we just got a storm like we did on March 30th, I check a web site called, Great Lakes Fire & Fuels. This site is maintained by professionals that understand fire weather much better than anyone at Solon Fire does.
https://glff.mesowest.org/tabular/station/#CFFDRS/MISPO/
This gives me useful data, things like FFMC, DMC, ISI, BUI and other cool things that you may need to take a day or two in google to understand. The important part that I look at is on the right side of the data sheet (if you happened to go there). The information under “Cfr”.
This rating is what I use to determine if we can issue permits or not. If the box is orange and has a “V” in it, that means the fire danger is Very High, and all permits are shut off and a burn ban is placed. If the rating box is yellow and has a “H” it means the fire danger High. During ratings of “H” with winds that are calm permits are issued. However, if the winds kick up, they may be shut off.
Q. Does the rating change during the day?
A. Yes they do! To see the current fire status see the next question!
Q. I got a permit on Thursday to burn, they are good for four days. Now it’s Saturday and I am worried about whether I can burn or not. How do I know?
A. great question! There are two ways to know.
- Go to https://solonfire.org/outdoor-burning/burn-permit/
If there are information boxes at this link asking Name, Address and other things, then burn permits are on. If not, permits are shut off. - Visit us on Facebook @ Solon Fire Department
If there is a burning ban on our Facebook page will say so also - If you are worried about whether it is safe to burn or not….it’s not. Do NOT put yourself in a position where you end up risking your safety or loss of property. If you do start a fire and you think it’s getting out of control, it probably is. Call 911, it is better to have us on the way and not need us, than to wait and have it large before you call
Q. I got a permit and the fire department still showed up!!!
A. This is a common occurrence. Most likely someone driving by, or a concerned neighbor, has called us. Many people see smoke and call, not knowing the fire is controlled. Or perhaps the neighbor saw what they thought was the fire getting out of control and called. Either way it is likely we will stop by to be sure that everything is truly ok.
Q. My fire got out of control and I called the fire department and got no answer.
A. The station has one full-time person. Monday – Friday, 6:00am to 4:30 pm. That person is responsible for doing many things during the day. It is a very good chance they never heard the phone, if they are even at the station.
PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE STATION for emergencies. Please call 911. If you call the station and do get an answer it still slows the response process down.
