Windy conditions, low humidity and dry vegetation continued to fuel fires across the area on Monday.
Jefferson Fire had a total of five grass fires. The largest covered five acres off Chestnut Lane south of Mt. Vernon Outland Airport. It started as a controlled burn but got out of hand when those doing the burning left for lunch. Smaller grass fires were reported in Prairieview Resort, on the Dix-Texico Lane, Lynchburg Lane and along I-64. No buildings were threatened in any of the fires.
Kell Firemen fought a three-acre grass and brush fire that spread from a trash fire on the Greg Michels property on North Storment Lane in rural Walnut Hill. Kell Fire Chief Mick McDaneld said a number of dead trees had to be cut up along with the clearing of brush to get the fire out. Firemen were first called at 1:45 Monday afternoon and remained on the scene until 5:30. Salem stood by at the Kell station in the event of another fire.
Odin Firemen with mutual aid from Sandoval fought a one to two-acre grass and timber fire in the 2800 block of Page Avenue in rural Odin. Odin Fire Chief Greg Smith says firemen had to put out some of the fire by hand. The call came in at 2:52 Monday afternoon. Firemen cleared the scene at around six pm.
Due to the ongoing low humidity, dry vegetation, and brisk winds area fire department suggest it is better not to burn for the next few days. Jefferson Fire has a burn advisory in place.
