Kalona Fire Chief Steve Yotty, reviewing the numerous grass fires that have occurred this fall, reminds residents that there is a no burning ban in effect in Washington County until further notice.

“That’s all burning,” he said, including trash barrels as well as yard waste.

“It is very, very dry, and things could easily get out of hand,” he said, asking that no burning take place until the state fire marshal lifts the ban.

Calls

Recent calls were October 31, a grass fire at the Charles Stumpf residence at 1 p.m., followed by a call at 2:30 p.m. to the Lynn Miller residence, 5641 Blackhawk Road for a cornstalk and grass fire; November 9, a grass fire at the corner of Nutmeg Ave. and Popular Blvd., near the old English River bridge, at 1 p.m., and then a grass and cornstalk fire at the Jacob Yoder residence, 520th St. at 2:45 p.m.; a grass fire near the creek bridge on A Ave. at 4:05 p.m., November 14.

In all cases, there was no damage, “but there could have been,” noted Yotty, “depending on if the wind came up.”