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Farmers in Washington County who wish to use fire to help with their controlled burns are reminded to call them in to the Safety Center.  Tony Maxwell, Washington County District Conservationist says it’s important to call in the controlled burns to the Washington County Safety Center so they know what is happening.  He says this is important to do in case someone passing by should see the smoke and report it, they will already know. 

Maxwell says even though the fire department has been made aware of the burn, they will put it out if it should get out of control.  He says controlled burns are conducted to restore the nutrients into the ground from the roots and stems from the plants to mineralize back into the soil where the plant can use the nutrients again. 

Maxwell adds the burning also helps the ground to warm up the soil with the sun’s heat to make the grass grow faster in the spring.  To find out more about controlled burns, contact the USDA office.