Despite the urge, the public should keep in mind that opening burning of leaves is illegal in the State of Indiana. There are, however, exceptions in certain instances, and the public should request permission in advance from their local fire departments or law enforcement agencies before doing any type of outdoor burning. Local fire departments have been kept busy the past couple of weeks responding to field and brush fires in the area, in part started due to carelessness or in some cases suspected set fires. Although no evidence has indicated fires being set, occurrences in the same area, at the same time on a couple of occasions has left local officials speculating. Persons found responsible of intentionally setting fires can be dealt with as arsonists and can serve jail time for offenses, in addition to being held financially responsible for damages to property, human lives, structures and livestock that are hurt or damaged as the result of their senseless acts.
Fall leaves are the perfect fuel for fires, since they are generally dry and crisp.
Add to them the recent warm weather and lack of soaking rain which have left the area somewhat thirsty, and you have the ingredients for a potential fire hazard. For that reasons particular care needs to be taken when around sources of ignition such as leaves. Farmers should pay particular attention when running machinery in fields since conditions tend to be drier in those areas and the potential for dust or debris to catch fire in and around hot equipment is increased. Cigarettes thrown into a pile of leaves can smolder for hours before finally igniting its surroundings. The public doesn't always realize how quickly a fire can spread once given the proper conditions.