A structure just outside the city limits on Monday afternoon was the result of a controlled burn that got out of control.
Led by firefighters from the Hog Chain Volunteer Fire Department, other county fire departments including Zetus, Heucks Retreat, New Sight and East Lincoln worked to extinguish the fire that destroyed an abandoned home and an old minivan on Greenwood Lane SE.
Assistance was also provided by the Brookhaven Fire department.
Hog Chain fire chief John Hart said the fire started when the property owner attempted to burn the ditch at the edge of his property. The fire quickly spread, taking over the field, structure and vehicle about 4:15 p.m.
Hart said no one was hurt and the fire was brought under control.
Citizens of the county and city are urged not to start any fires this week because they can get out of control very quickly.
A red flag warning begins Tuesday morning, issued by the National Weather Service, due to dry conditions and no precipitation in the next few days.
No permits for burning will be granted Inside the city limits until further notice, said BFD Chief Jeff Ainsworth.
Firefighters may not be able to arrive in time if a fire gets out of control, Hart cautioned.