(November 18, 2008)

CONCEPCION--Low humidity and drier conditions are a recipe for more grass fires in the Coastal Bend. That's one reason why some first responders were so concerned today after being called to the scene of a controlled burn that they say no one told them about.

Firefighters are worried about what could happen this fire season. So they're now asking leaders to think about public safety over fireworks.

Near Concepcion in Duval County, smoke and flames could be seen for miles. Firefighters from Premont and Alice came to check it out. When they arrived, a ranch worker told them it was a controlled burn. Good news for these firefighters, though a little frustrating.

"Nobody's property is being damaged and nobody's home is in danger, but on the same token a simple phone call to the communications center with the Sheriff's Department would have prevented a response that wasn't needed," said Alice Fire Chief Dean Van Nest. 

Last fire season, Alice firefighters responded to a third more fires than the previus year. This year, low humidity and dry conditions have firefighters worried and they believe this will be a bad year. 

"What we're expecting is to be as busy or if not busier than we were the first quarter of this year," Chief Van Nest said. 

The Alice Fire Department battles fires in a 90 mile area from Jim Hogg County to Jim Wells County. With the fire season expected to be worse, they're asking area leaders to consider a ban of aerieal fireworks for this year's New Year's celebrations.

"Anytime you introduce fire into an environment that is like this and you're not prepared for it.you're going to start a fire and we are going to be making a visit," said Chief Van Nest. 

Firefighters just hope leaders will make the right decision for their sake.

--Manuel De La Rosa, Area 3 News, mdelarosa@kiiitv.com