Although the two fires that burned dozens of county acreage last Friday weren’t the result of controlled burns, the Kingfisher County Emergency Management director is pleading with citizens to practice caution.

“If you’re going to do a controlled burn, please call to ensure that it’s approved,” said Ryan Deatherage.

At least one of the fires (See story on Page 1A) last week was likely caused by a chain being drug behind a vehicle on U.S. Highway 81, Deatherage However, he noted, there was a fire Saturday near Hennessey that started as a controlled burn before getting out of control.

“We just need to be extra careful right now, especially with as hot and dry as it has been,” Deatherage said.

The number to call for a controlled burn is 405375-4242, which is the non-emergency number to the county’s 911 center, said Deatherage.