Fire officials offer fire safety tips.
INDIAN RIVER -- The sign in front of the Department of Natural Resource's Indian River field office carries a simple message: "Fire Danger is high."
With spring barely on the calendar, people are being warned of the potential for fires as dry vegetation becomes exposed.
"Dry vegetation, winds, it will cause the fire to accelerate," said Chief Don Horn of the Readmond/Friendship township fire department.
Fire officials says the majority of grass and wildfires they encountered are caused by human error. They're offering several safety reminders for people to keep in mind before burning.
"Always assume that it's still hot, don't leave your fires unattended," said John Lang of the DNR. "It's a good idea if you're going to leave the area, douse it with water."
When dousing the fire with water, Chief Horn suggests stirring the ashes and water completely to make sure everything in the pile is wet and cold.
Another issue at hand is the disposal of ashes from wood stoves and fire places. Lang suggests they be disposed of in a pit or metal container.
"Don't just take them out back and assume they're out," Lang said. "Many times there are coals retained and all it takes is one good breeze and off it goes."
It is also suggested that you not cover your fire in dirt because Lang says that will only insulate the heat, providing a possibility for a fire to be re-ignited.
Both Horn and Lang add that camp fires should be contained within a small campfire ring. If you're burning any kind of vegetation, such as grass, leaves or sticks, you should obtain a burn permit form your nearest DNR office.
This weekend it is not expected for the DNR to release any burn permits because of the high possibility for fire. Lang says composting your yard debris is another good option opposed to burning.
