Conditions warrant fire prevention safety

The week of the Fourth of July always causes some anxious days for members of the Imperial Volunteer Fire Department (IVFD). This year is no different, as plentiful rains in some areas of the state haven’t been so giving in ours.
    That means dry conditions. With fireworks concluding this week (thank goodness) and wheat harvest expected to move into high gear, it behooves all of us to be extra careful when we are around dry areas where there is the potential of starting a fire.
    Just last Thursday, firefighters from Imperial, Lamar, Wauneta, Haigler and Benkelman were out near midnight fighting a pasture fire that burned an estimated 100 acres in Dundy County. Weather conditions caused that one, and that can’t be avoided. However, we all need to make sure human error doesn’t cause other fires that didn’t have to happen.
    “Fire Is Everyone’s Fight” is a slogan used by the U.S. Fire Administration and Federal Emergency Management Agency affiliates. We need to remember that it’s not just our fire departments who are responsible for fire prevention.
    Be cautious when driving in the rural areas, where dry grass may be overgrown in ditches and areas adjoining the roads.
    We’ve had fire calls locally caused by use of backyard fire pits, as an example. Use of outdoor grills can be a fire starter, too.
    It’s July and it’s always hot and dry here most years. Let’s all be responsible in efforts to prevent fires and the damage they can cause.