VIDEO: Rural firefighters are asking the public to keep fire safety in mind this spring as they predict a busy fire season this summer.
Vaughn Fire & Rescue Assistant Fire Chief Kenneth Hanks says even though we've seen mild weather and snowfall over the past week, fire fuels such as dry grass continue to remain a threat. While the ground may feel moist, wildland fires can spread rapidly by burning dry grass above the soil. “We had kids lighting off fireworks and thinking it was moist enough,” said Hanks. “The ground was wet - the fuels were not. They dry out real quick. The ground will hold the moisture but it doesn't do anything for the dried out fuels.”
Hanks also encourages people to fire-proof their yards and homes before the heat of the summer. Wood piles stacked against houses, or tall dry grass can be managed now before a fire breaks out.