Still little risk of grass fires in Mitchell as summer heats up

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Despite temperatures soaring into the 90s in recent days, the National Weather Service still says there is little risk for a grass fire in the Mitchell area.

As of Friday morning, the weather service classified conditions in all of eastern South Dakota as being in low danger of a grass fire.

However, on Thursday authorities in Aurora County responded to a hay fire, and firefighters in Brule County responded to two grass fires, according to the Mitchell Police Division’s press log.

Mitchell Assistant Fire Chief Paul Morris said residents should use common sense when burning outside.

“With the heat and the weather, things are going to start drying out,” he said.

High temperatures and low humidity can be a “lethal combination for fire risk,” Morris said.

If the risk of fire increases, the fire department could request a ban burn be issued by the Davison County Commission.

With the Fourth of July approaching, Morris also urged residents to use common sense with fireworks, and suggested keeping a fire extinguisher or water nearby when setting any off.

It is illegal to set off all but novelty fireworks within Mitchell’s city limits.

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