Summer fire hazard and wide load detours

    In speaking with city policeman, Heath Harter, hazardous fire conditions become a topic of concern as summer approaches.
    “It may be green now,” stated Harter, “But the dry season is coming and the community needs to be aware.”
    Although summer is the ideal time of the year for cook outs, bonfires and campfires, it is also the most dangerous time of the year to do so. Nine out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans. It only takes a short amount of time for a small fire to reach the point of being out of control and potentially lead to severe property damage, injury or even death.
    You can do your part and promote fire safety this summer by following these simple precautions:  
•Know area fire restrictions
•Follow area rules
•Check your surroundings before burning
•Check the weather before burning
•Know the proper amount and how to use accelerant
•Do not leave fires unattended
•Do not discard cigarettes on the ground
•Avoid the use of motor vehicles on dry vegetation
•Do not use fireworks in areas with tall grass or trees
    Last year was reported as the highest on record for wildfires in the United States. Approximately 8,202,557 acres were burned, amounting to land the size of the state of Maryland.
    While speaking with Harter, he also wanted to emphasize awareness about the wide load trucks traveling through Murdo.
    Due to the road construction on the interstate, any wide load truck that is 12 feet or greater has been instructed to redirect through Murdo. This detour started on Friday, April 8 and construction of the interstate is expected to be complete by the time the Sturgis Rally begins.    
    Please be aware that trucks hauling wide loads have to make wide turns, have blind spots and usually proceed at a slower rate. Remember to share the road, give  a little extra space between vehicles and be aware that we will be sharing our city streets with wide load trucks regularly this spring and summer.