| With spring fast approaching, warmer temperatures are starting to grace the region. Unfortunately, that also means creating forest fire opportunities. Over the weekend, Athens responded to four brush fires in and around Mercer County. "The humidity levels haven't dropped too much so we are not at a dangerous level yet. However, without much needed rain, we are going to continue to dry out and humidity won't really be a factor," said an official with the WVDNR. Citizes are reminded that during forest fire season, no open burining is permitted between 7am and 4pm. After 4pm burning is allowed, but must be supervised at all times and any person who allows a fire to get out of control is subject to a fine. The WVDNR also reminds citizens that all suspicious fires will be investigated and arsonists will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Specially trained K9's are used throughout the state with a high success rate of tracking down indivduals who intentially set forest fires. |