The fire danger across Lincoln county is constantly being watched over by first responders, and with the 4th of July coming up, there is a higher risk of fires and fire-related injuries to take place.
“We probably run one to two fires a week [throughout the summer] (specifically) with grass fires…it varies between the wind and the rain…along with how dry it’s been,” said Chandler Assistant Fire Chief Bobby Buchanan.
“This time of year is considered hay season, so you have a lot of farmers and ranchers that are cutting and harvesting hay… so as you can imagine, it makes the fire danger go up…you know once these fields are cut, the grass dies and becomes more vulnerable [to being caught on fire].”
There are various ways to prevent grass fires during this season, and that includes keeping things such as water cans or fire extinguishers on any farming equipment, with emphasis on hay balers.
With July 4th just around the corner, it’s important to understand ways to avoid causing large fires or bodily injury.
“You gotta pay attention to the guidelines written on the fireworks by the manufacturers if you plan on lighting any off,” said Meeker Fire Fighter, Robert Ballard.
“It would obviously be safer to enjoy public displays.”
Throughout Lincoln county there are many alternatives to the age-old tradition of lighting off fireworks, including many festivities put on by each respective town.