Firefighters had their hands full today dealing with at least two grass fires. The first was near 265th street and 487th avenue near valley springs. The second was just south of Splitrock Boulevard and Aspen Boulevard in Brandon.

This is video of the scorched land in Valley Springs. A resident was burning brush when he lost control of it. The fire ended up taking over about eight acres. Luckily, there were no major injuries.

This raised the question today of how bad do things need to be before any restrictions on fires will be issued.

Two fires today, less than 10 miles apart isn't uncommon for this time of year as was reiterated by Split Rock Fire Department Chief Monte Albertson. "In the spring like this, it's a transition time before things green up."

We found out earlier today that the County Commission is the one that approves any burn ban for the rural areas of Minnehaha County.

Monte tells me that the recommendation first comes from all of the fire chief's association of Minnehaha County. It takes quite a bit to get a burn ban for the entire county as was the case last time.

"It had gotten so dry the green vegetation was turning brown, it was the heat of the summer and everything became combustible," stated Albertson.

Conditions of the vegetation and weather are monitored year round for the safety of property and people in the county, even at times that might surprise you.

"I know we've had burn bans even in the middle of winter when there was no snow," stated Albertson.

I also talked to the National Weather Service tonight about how they issue fire danger statements and red flag warnings. They watch the fuel on the ground as well as the weather and use certain criteria to determine the level of warning to issue.