Open burning begins in Douglas

The spring 2002 open burning period for the East Fork Fire District will continue through May 12. Burn hours have changed from a start time of 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.

All residents are required to obtain an open burn regulation form including information and all regulations required to ensure a safe burn and maintain compliance with air quality standards.

The form also lists the 24-hour non-emergency telephone number residents are required to call before beginning any burning.

Residents are asked to verify the fire district they reside in before obtaining a regulation form. The East Fork Fire District covers the following areas: Minden, Gardnerville, Genoa, Sunridge (east side of Highway 395 only), Johnson Lane, East Valley, Fish Springs, Ruhenstroth, Topaz Ranch Estates, Topaz Lake, Ranchos and the Sheridan area (east side of Foothill Road).

Residents living in the areas of Jacks Valley, Indian Hills and the west side of Foothill Road to the California state border (with the exception of the town of Genoa) must call the Sierra Forest Fire District at 885-9369 to inquire about open burning in these areas.

Regulation forms are available at the East Fork Fire and Paramedic Districts Administration Office, 1594 Esmeralda Ave. in Minden, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Forms are also available at Douglas County Sheriff's Office substations:

-- North Valley Substation, 3587 N. Sunridge Rd.

-- Tillman Center Substation, 1281 Kimmerling Rd., Gardnerville Ranchos

-- Topaz Ranch Estates Substation, 1470 Albite Dr., Wellington

The substations are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For any additional information, contact Fire Marshal Steve Eisele with the East Fork Fire and Paramedic Districts at 782-9040.