A local fire chief is urging people to be careful after firefighters from two departments battled a brush fire near Rockwell Monday afternoon.
Allen Cress, chief of the Rockwell Rural Volunteer Fire Department, said the fire started with a resident burning leaves.
The fire spread into nearby woods and burned over an estimated 1.5 acres before firefighters brought it under control.
“It could have been a bad one,” said Cress.
Firefighters from both Rockwell city and Rockwell rural were on the scene for more than hour.
Cress urged anyone who is considering burning leaves or debris to be be careful.
“It’s still very dry,” he said. “Make sure you’ve got a rake, a hose nearby and make sure somebody is there to watch.”