It's grass fire season...(here we go again)

Using a leaf blower to make a fire break

Butler Fire Chief Jim Henry has announced that until we get some rain, no burn permits will be issued. In fact, if you already have a burn permit, you can't use it. It's just too doggone dry and it's going to get worse before it gets better- the National Weather Service just extended the excessive heat warning through Saturday evening at 7 p.m.

The long range forecast doesn't call for any appreciable amount of rain until July 30th. There's supposed to be a chance of light rain on the 25th, but really, what do the forecasters know? Chances are we won't get enough rain in the near future to eliminate the danger of a large wildfire.

The following is just common sense, but sometimes we all need a reminder:

Don't toss cigarette butts out the window. Either quit smoking (just a thought) or put them in the ash tray.

Keep an eye on your trash burn barrels. Wet down an area 3-4 feet around the barrel before tossing in a match. Keep the garden hose handy in case things start to get out of hand.

Wait to burn brush piles until later. It's more fun to do it in the Fall anyway.

Avoid burning off a field. Where the fire normally won't make it's way into the scrub brush, it will now. Your neighbor may not want his field burned. Or his house.

If you see a small grass fire, don't hesitate to call for help. Time is everything when it comes to keeping the fire contained.

If you don't have water handy, a leaf blower can be be a big help to slow down or even stop the fire altogether. Run it at full speed, standing in the unburned area and blow the embers back onto the already burned area. In most cases, it will blow out the fire completely. Work your way down the line and occasionally check behind you for flare-ups.

A lawn rake can also be used- standing on the burned area, pull the burning grass into the already burned area to make a 'fire break' of sorts.

If you must build a camp fire, do not leave it unattended for any length of time. Make sure it is completely out before going to sleep.

Here's more:

Never leave barbeques or other outdoor cooking appliances unattended.

Make sure outdoor cookers are in good repair and have a metal drip pan underneath to catch fallen embers or hot grease.

Park on paved surfaces because exhaust systems on vehicles can easily ignite dry grass.

Clear away grass that collects around lawnmower engines- the mufflers can occasionally emit sparks.

Allow your lawn mower to cool before refueling. Gasoline gives off more ignitable vapors in hot weather.

Most of all don't try to fight a large grass fire by yourself. Especially if you have a known health condition. A quick call to 911 will summon help from the closest Bates County fire department- they have the tools and training to get the job done safely.