With a rash of grass and brush fires recently that have consumed acres of land and kept local first responders busy, residents are reminded on ways to stay safe when conducting a controlled burn. Chief Cal Wyman with Knoxville Fire and Rescue tells KNIA/KRLS News when it comes to a controlled burn, it’s all about common sense. He says if there are 40 mph winds it obviously is not a good day to burn. Additionally Chief Wyman says residents should always have a water source in case the fire gets out of control, and to make sure what they are burning is acceptable to burn as residents can get fined up to $450 per incident when burning items against city code. Anyone who is wanting to conduct a controlled burn is asked to call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office prior to any burning to let first responders know as well as to find out if a burn ban is in effect. If a burn ban is in effect, burning is prohibited throughout Marion County.