As the weather turns warmer, more rural residents are looking to do large scale controlled burns.

Greene County Sheriff and Jefferson Fire Chief Jack Williams tells Raccoon Valley Radio before a controlled burn happens in the rural portions of the county, landowners should call the non-emergency number of the sheriff’s office, 515-386-2136. Williams notes when you call you should provide the location of the burn, along with your name and phone number. He points out that if a fire gets out of control and a fire department has to be dispatched, they know where to go and who to contact. 

Williams recommends not conducting a controlled burn when there are high winds.

“Just make sure you’re watching to see if we’re in red flag days like we have been for several days (and) probably going to be for several more, try not to burn on those days. We have had several out of control fires lately, especially in other counties. Just be mindful of the wind and where you’re burning.” 

Williams says a red flag warning or a burn ban is issued by the State Fire Marshal’s Office. He says red flag warnings are determined by drought conditions and wind speeds. He adds if a fire department is dispatched to a controlled burn that the sheriff’s office wasn’t notified of, the landowner can be subject to a fine.