March 20, 2009

Brush fires on the rise

       Firefighters in White River Township have been busier than normal this season with brush and field fires.  The recent warm weather coupled with below-normal precipitation for the year have led to an increase in these type of responses.  One firefighter stated that the department has responded to more brush and related fires this year than in the last few years combined.  So far, most of the fires have been started by citizens burning leftover winter tree debris, such as limbs and leaves.  With strong thermally-generated winds this time of year, the fires can easily spread to nearby fields that have yet to be tilled or grassy yards that are still dormant.  In all cases, citizens are required to adhere to the Township's Burning Ordinance and Open Burning Law, which can be viewed by clicking HERE.
 

           
(Click on a thumbnail to enlarge photo)
    

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