The Chief of the West Valley Fire Department says he and others who fight fire for a living expect a busy summer. Nathan Craig tells KIT News it's early in the season but things are already drying out. He says "by the end of the week most of the Cheatgrass is going to be dried and cured and with the wet spring there's a lot of it." Craig says as a result he expects a lot of brush fires in the valley and could extend up into forest land. He says the forests are already tinder dry and a small spark could start a large blaze.
As for Yakima residents Craig says be careful with things like a hot vehicle exhaust so watch where you park. When you're mowing a field Craig says watch for rocks. He says a mower blade can hit a rock, cause a spark and a fire can start. Craig adds if you smoke always use an ashtray.

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