This is the time of year when agricultural producers often need to burn grassland. Geary County Rural Fire Chief Garry Berges said that there have already been five more fires than this time a year ago. "I expect it to get a lot busier and our guys and gals for the rural fire department are going to be a lot busier the next two to three weeks."

Could cancellation of some of the burning be necessary? Berges is hopeful that will not be the case. "We'll really watch the wind and the humidity. If we can get the farmers and landowners out that need to burn I want to do that."

Berges noted if it's not done this year it will just be worse next year. A lot of landowners need to be done burning by April 15 for CRP ground in order to receive USDA payments.

By Dewey TerrillJC PostThis is the time of year when agricultural producers often need to burn grassland. Geary County Rural Fire Chief Garry Berges said that there have already been five more fires than this time a year ago. "I expect it to get a lot busier and our guys and gals for the rural fire department are going to be a lot busier the next two to three weeks."Could cancellation of some of the burning be necessary? Berges is hopeful that will not be the case. "We'll really watch the wind and the humidity. If we can get the farmers and landowners out that need to burn I want to do that."Berges noted if it's not done this year it will just be worse next year. A lot of landowners need to be done burning by April 15 for CRP ground in order to receive USDA payments.

Grassland burning season begins