Don’t burn your yard waste

As I drove home from work, expecting to enjoy the crisp and clean air of the mountains, I couldn’t believe the number of burn piles smoldering away, all without exception, unattended.

First, it is apparent that these people do not remember the massive wildfires in the mountains just a few months ago, all of which ravaged thousands of acres and at least one of which was due to a burn pile gone afoul.

Second, it is apparent that these people do not understand the concept of a “clean burn” and give absolutely no care to the air that all of us in the mountains breathe.

Third, it is sadly apparent that these people care only about themselves. Otherwise, they would choose another way to dispose of their yard waste, thus keeping the air clean and keeping the mountains a safe place to live.

Does it matter that burn piles are a legal method of disposing of yard waste? It shouldn’t matter. It simply should be illegal.

This story was originally published February 9, 2016 at 5:47 AM with the headline "Don’t burn your yard waste."