Brandon Twp.- Residents are being urged to use caution when burning leaves after multiple brush fires last month.
Firefighters responded to a blaze that spread to a wooded area near Palisades and Circle Drive in the township, as well one near Baldwin and Oakwood roads that required mutual aid from the Oxford Fire Department. Both fires occurred the weekend of April 18-19, after a period of little rain. Township firefighters also extinguished a few brush fires this past weekend, April 25-26.
‘We’ve had a really dry season,? said Fire Chief Dave Kwapis. ‘The dead grass is what is taking off on us. Residents are burning leaves and we’re having strong winds and it catches the dry grass on fire.?
While the undergrass is starting to green and slow down fires, phragmites? invasive species that are prevalent in the township, will still catch fire and diligence is needed. When burning leaves, make sure there is a clear area around the fire. Grass should be mowed and residents should have a hose, rake and shovel at the ready to keep fires controlled.
‘When it’s really dry, with long periods of no rain and windy, it’s definitely not a good time to be burning,? said Kwapis.