CSRA first responders warn about dangers of burning your debris
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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Crews are hard at work clearing tons and tons of debris from the area.
You’ve likely seen them hard at work with their double trucks, but they have their work cut out for them.
We’re all sick of the debris clogging up our yards. But first responders are warning you to not pull out a matchbox and set them ablaze.
It’s been nearly three weeks since Hurricane Helene hit, and if you drive down streets, you’ll probably see piles of debris.
You might want to get rid of it, but it’s important to make sure that you don’t burn it.
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North Augusta Department of Public Safety and Augusta Fire and EMA both posted on their Facebook pages urging people to not burn debris.
“We’ve just recovered from Hurricane Helene, so burning your debris can cause other problems,” said Sergeant David Bunch with the North Augusta Department of Public Safety.
October is one of the driest months in Georgia and South Carolina.
“It is riskier this time of year because things are starting to die out being its fall,” said Bunch.
Bunch says the hurricane only made things worse.
“Obviously, there’s more debris with the hurricane, because of the limbs that fell, trees that fell, so that will make the increase even greater than what it normally would be,” said Bunch.
Augusta and North Augusta have a burn ordinance in place right now.
New FEMA centers open for Helene victims across the CSRA
FEMA is on the ground and ready to provide new in-person services with centers in Richmond, Washington, Aiken, Barnwell and Saluda counties, and more to come.
Bobby Baxter lives in North Augusta, and he says he’s thankful for the ordinance.
“I feel like it’s a good idea right now, because like with all these piles of rubbles up and down the street and all over neighborhoods, it’d be very easy for one of them to get out of control,” said Baxter.
Baxter says he’s concerned about what may happen if a fire starts spreading.
“A little bit of wind and a hot Amber flying to another pile, and bam, you got another fire going across the street or next door. And wind keeps blowing, embers keep flying, no telling what you have on fire before you know it,” said Baxter.
Again, North Augusta says that ordinance is still in place for them, and make sure that you’re following it, but follow them on Facebook as well for the latest information on debris pick up.
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