During a recent demonstration and tour near Dolores, Firewise of Southwest Colorado explained how to effectively and safely mitigate fire hazards on private property.

A dozen local landowners learned how to safely burn a slash pile and clear brush and trees using a chain saw.

Firewise manager Rebecca Samulski gave several tips on burn piles. First off, check local regulations and notify dispatch of your intent to burn at 565-8411. Get it started early in the morning before winds pick up, stand by with water and shovels, and don’t make the pile too big.

“Start with a campfire-size, and keep feeding it from a bigger pile,” Samulski said. “Stacking brush to burn takes practice; lay it all in one direction with stumps on one end.”

One option is to dig a hole and bury slash. Or use the lop-and-scatter method to spread out debris over a large area.

Jon Westrup, of Fire Smart, gave a demonstration of safe sawing.

Chain saw injuries are common, but are avoidable with proper training, equipment and handling.

“Be aware of your surroundings, approach with a safety mindset,” he said. “Most accidents are operator error.”

Also:

Engage the chain break, which will stop the chain when moving brush or will engage if the saw gets too close to your body.

Don’t cut with the tip, to avoid kickback.

They don’t make left-handed chain saws, so lefties must hold the saw with their right hand.

Never drop start a chain saw; start it on the ground or while holding between knees.

Use chaps, eye and ear protection, and keep the chain properly tightened and sharpened.

Low ethanol fuel is ideal for chainsaws.

Westrup showed how to safely cut down a tree. First, walk around the tree and asses potential hazards. Avoid cutting down trees in windy conditions. Limb the tree and determine which way you want it to fall.

Make a back cut that will act as a hinge to control the direction of the fall when the face cut is made.

“Make sure you have an escape route planned out when the tree goes down,” Westrup said.

For more information go to http://www.southwestcoloradofires.org/