Photo by Gary Nieter, Times-Union-
Area fire departments were busy again Wednesday extinguishing grass and trash fires, including the one pictured, which was on property owned by Dave Cesaretti, Packerton Road. Winona Lake Fire Chief Roger Gelbaugh said Cesaretti was burning trash when it 'got away from him.' North Webster fire crews were called to six separate grass or field fires Wednesday, including one assist to Noble County crews. Burket, Pierceton, Sidney and Leesburg fire departments also responded to similar fire calls. Fire officials continue to urge residents not to burn, especially with windy conditions that can cause a small fire to burn out of control within minutes. Rain is predicted for today, but dry weather last year and a mild winter have kept ground cover dry and the precipitation likely will soak into the subsoil quickly, leaving the topsoil with continued dryness for a while, officials said. Photo by Gary Nieter, Times-Union
