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Burn tests subject to rules What exactly is the "controlled burn" city code? Why is it appropriate for city-owned structures to be available for Burn-to-Learn but not for structures owned by private citizens? -- Nora B., Medford City code 5.50 prohibits "outside burning" for almost anything but backyard barbecues. It makes a few exceptions, including eradication of beehives and "training purposes" by the fire department. It says nothing about city-owned this or privately owned that. The training exception is appropriate because it gives firefighters a chance to practice in realistic situations, which could save lives, argued Medford Fire Department training chief Brian Fish. The policy dates back to 1982, and was last amended in 1989. "Unless we have a fire, we don't get to practice those skills," Fish said. "It's hard in the middle of an emergency to back up and say, `What if we tried it this way?' or `How would that work?' We just can't afford to do that when property and lives are on the line." It has been more than 10 years since the fire department actually conducted a Burn-to-Learn within the city limits, Fish said. The department scuttled a proposed burn in November -- five dilapidated houses on West 10th Street, across from the Justice Building -- when neighbors complained about the possibility of toxic smoke from lead paint. It should be noted that the houses in that case are owned by Jackson County, not the city, which had nothing to gain financially. The county bought the houses for courthouse parking, and simply wanted to save on expensive demolition costs. Fish said similar problems could derail any future Burn-to-Learn exercises in the city, and he doubts the department will ever get another opportunity. Instead, firefighters will have to go elsewhere in the county for training. "We missed an opportunity," he said, "but that's the way it goes." (Send your questions to "Since You Asked," Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; or by fax to (541) 776-4376; or by e-mail to: [email protected] Please include your name, address and phone number for verification.) Today's News Index Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA