Grass fires taxing for local fire departments

The drought of 2012 has certainly presented a set of problems that directly affect most all of us in one way or another. Besides heavy crop loss and low reservoir levels, the biggest single threat facing us now is grass fires.

In just the past week, most all local fire departments have been dispatched (in some cases repeatedly to the same location) for grass fires that range in size from a few acres to as many as 30 or 40 acres- all to be extinguished under extreme heat conditions. And the problem seems to be worsening as Adrian, Drexel and Amsterdam fire departments have been answering the call every few hours.

While the forecast is calling for slightly cooler temps with some chance of rain over the next week, we still need to be careful, here's a few reminders:

Do not toss cigarettes out the car window!

Avoid outdoor grilling except on concrete surfaces. Keep a hose handy just in case.

Do not burn trash.

Avoid parking vehicles for long periods on dry grass (catalytic converter may start a fire).
Keep combines and hay balers as free of loose debris as possible

Report any fire you see as soon as possible.

Conditions being what they are now, a small grass fire turns big quickly and can destroy homes and outbuildings in very short order. Use common sense and BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL!