The unseasonably warm weather has many people getting an early jump on spring cleaning, especially when it comes to removing brush and other debris from their property. However, that’s sparking concerns about wildfires from state and local officials.
Catherine Koele with the state Department of Natural Resources is urging caution if any of your cleaning plans involve lighting a fire. She says most of the state is at a “high fire danger,” which means fires can start quickly and spread rapidly if they get out of control.
Anyone planning to burn debris is being urged to check with local fire officials first. The DNR has already suspended burning parts in most parts of the state.
If the dry weather continues, Koele suggests looking at other options, such as using disposal sites or composting.
The DNR has already dealt with more than 150 wildfires this spring, which have burned about 300 acres. Koele says local departments across the state have also reported dealing with several fires as well.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (:56)