The warmer temperatures returning to the area has many residents already starting their spring yard cleanup.

According to the National Weather Service, it is also primary fire weather season. As people get rid of debris and sticks left over from the messy winter season, burning them in spring when most of the vegetation is dormant can quickly get out of control. Springtime is when most wildfires occur, with low humidity and high wind being two key ingredients that increase the degree of fire danger.

The NWS stated that elevated levels of fire danger typically go down when the forest greens come out. The cooling effect from shade, along with the high moisture content from growing vegetation usually bring an end to the Indiana spring fire season in May. 

On Sunday evening, the Kewanna Union Twp Fire Department, along with the Van Buren Twp. Vol. Fire Dept out of Star City, helped battle a brush fire that got out of control outside of Kewanna, near 625 E 250 S. 

Rochester Fire Chief Tom Butler said the current dry conditions can turn even a small bonfire into a much bigger problem. And quicker than you might think.

Chief Butler said even the most controlled fires can take a turn for the worst with the right conditions. To stay safe, Butler suggested calling the fire station in your area ahead of time before any large controlled burns.