If you’re planning any type of controlled fire burn in the next few days, don’t let recent weather trends give you a false sense of security.

Even as late as last Friday, Ainsworth Fire Chief Waylon Schultz says any controlled burn still required a lot of attention and pre-planning, “Right now it’s a little deceiving outside, even though the snow just melted and we got some rain the other night, things are really, really dry out. A lot of departments in the area have already been out on grass fires and field fires and such, so definitely use precaution.”

Schultz advises delaying your controlled burn if conditions are too windy and recommends notifying the Washington County Communications Center in advance of your controlled burn plans so firefighters aren’t called out to the scene unnecessarily. He adds that Ainsworth firefighters can conduct your controlled burn with a donation to the department.

*You can hear more Chief Schultz on today’s(03.16) “In Touch with Southeast Iowa” airing during the KCII News Magazine at 7 a.m., noon, and 5 p.m. and online by clicking here.