Grass Fires Already a Problem, and 4th of July Fireworks Loom

On Saturday, someone riding a motorcycle was seen throwing a smoke bomb near about 6 p.m.

Within minutes, the grass was on fire.

The fire department was called to put out the blaze, which burned at least 200 feet of grass on a hillside, a report said.

This year, the danger of backyard fireworks goes beyond personal injury. With the drought-like conditions, a spark is apt to easily set the dry, crispy grass on fire -- and the culprit could face an arson charge.

"People need to just use common sense," Detective Lt. John Janowski said. "With as dry as it's been, nobody should be doing any kind of fireworks right now."

Still, at least six fireworks complaints came in Saturday night -- from Willow Circle, Jonathan Drive, North Red Rock Drive, Sassafras Drive and two from Hampton Chase.

Assistant Fire Chief Jack Draves said the department has been called out to several mulch and grass fires in the last week or two, many caused by people tossing a cigarette.

"If the kids are going to do sparklers on the Fourth, have a metal can or a bucket of water nearby," Draves said. "Don't throw them in the grass."

He, too, called on people to "use common sense."

"With the dry conditions, it's a huge concern for everyone," he said.