In 2011, the North Platte Fire Department was called to 33 land and bush fires. This year, that number has more than doubled.
Firefighters in western Nebraska have been extremely busy this season due to the hot, dry conditions. North Plate Fire Department says some of those fires could have been prevented.
"We want to urge people to use extreme caution," North Platte Fire Chief Paul Pederson said. "Two fires were people burning trash, one was someone burning leaves, one was someone setting fire crackers off."
North Platte Fire Department recently had to help battle a blaze caused by a person burning paper sacks. That fire burned two miles wide and five miles long.
"People really must pay attention, use common sense, and be extremity careful," Pederson said.
Open burning is not legal and people responsible will be held liable for the damages done.
