Clarkson puts brakes on illegal blazes

Images of the devastating fires in Colorado and Arizona prompted Clarkson’s Fire Marshall Doug Scarson to host an informational meeting for surrounding municipalities to discuss fire safety.

"We’ve had a couple of incidences in the town and felt we needed to educate the residents," Scarson said. "Some people just feel they can burn old furniture and other items and that isn’t allowed."

What is allowed, Scarson said, are small recreational backyard fires and agriculture burns. Agricultural burns require the individual to obtain a permit from the town. "Having a small, controlled backyard fire, that is contained with rocks and where the individuals have a hose nearby is permissible as long as it doesn’t cause a nuisance for neighbors and as long as it doesn’t get out of control."

Hamlin’s Fire Marshall Skip Dorgan and Village of Brockport’s Fire Marshall Scott Zarnstorff attended the meeting, Scarson said. The Village of Brockport doesn’t allow fires of any kind. While Hamlin and Clarkson don’t necessarily condone backyard fires, they do urge extreme caution be used if individuals decide to have one.

Hamlin and Clarkson operate under the Monroe County sets of rules and regulations when it comes to fires, he said.

The meeting, Scarson added, was to raise awareness of the need for safety when deciding to enjoy a backyard, recreational fire. "We just don’t have the equipment necessary to combat a forest fire of any large proportions," he said. "People need to be cautious and exercise common sense."

Individuals charged with conducting illegal burning are subject to appearance tickets and possible fines in town court, he said.