Extreme Caution Advised To Prevent Fires

Posted on Monday, September 17, 2012

Lake County has been fortunate in receiving rain during the past few months; however, this does NOT reduce the threat from grass fires in the area.

Over the course of the past few weeks, the National Weather Service has issued several "RED FLAG" warnings for Extreme Fire Dangers. Humidity is relatively low and vegetation remains dry and is getting dryer for the area. Windy conditions will only make the fire dangers worse.

As we move into the fall season, the conditions for fires will increase substantially. Please use extreme caution when you have open fires of any types. Ensure that you have a water source close by to extinguish any fire that may get out of control. If you have a fire that gets out of control, CALL 9-1-1 immediately. Fires can and will spread rapidly.

Farm Equipment should be well serviced and cleaned regularly to prevent equipment fires and a loss to crops. Open pit fires and trash barrels should have a meshed screen covering the fire to prevent sparks from migrating to dry grassy areas. Cigarettes should not be thrown from vehicles.

All fires should be attended until they are properly extinguished. If you must do a controlled burn, check with the fire department that services your area. The fire department will provide recommendations or assistance to maintain a safe burn.

The fire dangers for this area will drop once we receive our first snow cover. This could be as early as late October; however, temperatures are expected to remain above normal through November.

Information Provided By: Lake Co SD Emergency Management