Dry Weather Raises Concerns About Fires in the Southwest

With the recent dry weather, residents are being reminded to exercise caution in order to prevent grass fires.

Deputy Fire Chief Pete L'Heureux says there are a number of precautions that farmers can take.

"We're encouraging people to be really cautious in the fields and with machinery. Make sure you're checking on a regular basis to clear out any points where straw or material build up in your machinery. Make sure that you're lubricating the machine so we don't have bearings that heat up and things like that. Try to run things a little cooler or slow them down just a little bit," he said.

Additionally L'Heureux adds that farmers are encouraged to keep a working fire extinguisher on each piece of machinery.

Hay bale fires are also of concern as they are difficult to extinguish due to their tightly rolled matter. L'Heureux encourages farmers to keep stakes at a reasonable distance apart and to keep multiple stakes in multiple locations so that they are not close together should a fire start or lightning strike.

Within the city limits L'Heureux says there are areas of concern.

"There's certainly some grassy areas and some areas along the creek and on the south side of town which would be of primary concern for us. In the north side of the city in that area around the new construction and the school and hospital etc. There are certainly some areas of initial response for us that we need to be careful of and be concerned with," he said.

Within the city L'Heureux advises residents to be careful with fire pits and BBQ's as well as to clean up dead grass and leaves that can burn.

So far this season L'Heureux is happy to report that it has been quiet in terms of grass fire reports.