Maury County Officials Urge Wildfire Precautions Amid Extreme Dry Conditions

The Maury County Office of Emergency Management is urging residents to use extra caution with outdoor burning as extreme dry conditions increase the risk of wildfires.

Officials said drought conditions and wind can allow sparks from brush and garbage burning, bonfires or campfires to quickly spread into wildfires.

Residents planning an outdoor fire are encouraged to check for burn bans or other restrictions before burning and to keep fires small and away from flammable materials.

Officials also recommend keeping water or a shovel nearby, never leaving a fire unattended and avoiding outdoor burning on windy days. Gasoline should not be used to start or intensify a fire.

Before leaving the area, residents should completely extinguish the fire by drowning, stirring and cooling the ashes.

Officials said Tennessee may prohibit open-air burning during drought conditions and encouraged residents to check current restrictions before burning.