With the warmer temperatures this week, there may still be people burning yard waste and with that in mind, there are some safety reminders to be aware of.

Greene County Sheriff and Jefferson Fire Chief Jack Williams says for those rural county residents burning yard waste remember to burn in a confined space in either a burn barrel or an area surrounded by rocks to prevent the flames from catching surrounding materials on fire. He also recommends not burning on days when the wind is above five miles per hour and constantly monitors the situation.

“And then also keep in mind that if you’re burning a pile of leaves or sticks the embers may still be there for a few days. So keep an eye on it or wet it, stomp it out, something to that effect to make sure that if the wind comes up in the middle of the night, we’re not spreading the fire.”

As for Jefferson residents within city limits, open burning of yard waste can happen year round and is permitted from sunrise to sunset. Jefferson Police Chief Mark Clouse encourages residents who wish to burn yard waste to be aware of others around you.

“It doesn’t hurt to throw out there to try to be respectful to your neighbors. I mean I know you have the right to burn, burn the yard waste, you have the right to do that with city ordinances. But if you have a neighbor with breathing problems or something and that smokes blowing right in his open bedroom window that’s affecting someone else. So try to be respectful.”

Jefferson residents are to burn yard waste on their property and are not allowed to burn on an alleyway, curbside, or the street by the curb. Additionally, residents can also deposit yard waste at the dump site at Daubendiek Park.