In these dry conditions even a discarded cigarette butt could ignite a big blaze. So just how busy are these grass fires keeping firefighters?
Clay Township Fire Department Fire Marshal, David Cherrone, said, "we're already looking at more than 50 percent of what we did last month." As the grass gets drier grass fires become more common across Michiana. Cherrone demonstrated just how fast the flames move for us.
The fire he lit grew to a foot large in five seconds and doubled it's size in 30 seconds.
It's exactly what firefighters are seeing when called to action. "We've seen a lot of field fires that spread just very quickly. From a quick spark burning over 2 and a half acres before we can get there," said Concord Township Firefighter Chris Hershberger. And they're having to get to a lot of those types of fires. "Some days we can be very very busy going to multiple four or five grass fires in one day," said Hershberger.
Penn Township Fire Department said they've seen several fires started by fireworks. But a lot of accidental fires have also scorched grass. Penn Township Fire Department Captain Aaron Maust said, "We had a truck blow a tire on the bypass and just as he drove down the bypass numerous little spot fires occurred."
But firefighters tell us all the grass fires is nothing they can't handle "maybe catch one during the dinner time rush so that ya know gotta leave our food at the kitchen table and go out and tend a fire but that's ok cause that's our job," said Maust.
Firefighters want to remind everyone that burn bans are still in effect. And even if we get a little rain this weekend it won't be enough to cancel the ban.
If you live near an intersection Cherrone recommends making sure your lawn is watered so discarded cigarette butts don't ignite a blaze in your yard.
