Grass fire season is off to a start for Altona/Rhineland Emergency Services as members have been called out to three such incidents in the past week.

"It's not too bad right now," said fire chief, Greg Zimmerman. "It is that time of the year and everything is starting to dry out," he added, noting that while the ground remains wet from last fall's heavy rain and the winter snowfall, the long grass in the brush is extremely dry and flammable. "It doesn't take much," he said, adding one of the fires last week was started by hot bullets and casings hitting the ground during target practice on a rural yard southeast of Altona.

Now, farmers are getting started on spring fieldwork and have begun to burn off the stubble from last year's crop. While those scenarios can get out of control quickly with a simple shift of the wind, Zimmerman says it doesn't happen often, noting producers are good about burning in proper conditions and keeping an eye on the flames. In order to better control stubble burning, Zimmerman suggests farmers till up the soil in areas they don't want the fire to spread.

He noted a little rainfall is all that's needed to draw down the risk.

And as the weather starts to warm up and draw us outdoors, the fire chief has a few reminders when it comes to safe burning practices.

Zimmerman noted there is no open burning allowed within Town of Altona limits.

"We only allow burning in a properly constructed fire pit," he said, referring to recreational campfires. "But as far as burning grass or rubbish, that is not permitted. Only by permit can you do that."

If caught breaking any of the conditions outlined in the Town's by-law, Zimmerman explained homeowners can be subject to fines or ordered to cover the cost of the fire department's response. Those conditions, including instructions on how to set up a proper fire pit, as well as information on safety measures, can be found on the Town's web site.

Whether burning stubble off a field or just enjoying a campfire in a pit, Zimmerman said people have to remain in attendance to monitor at all times.

"If things get dicey, give us a call," he added, explaining if a proper fire does get out of hand while it's being watched, the associated charges and fines are waived. "We'd much rather come out before something bad happens."