OAKHAM, Mass. - Local fire departments are urging people to be safe when burning brush this spring.

As residents all around Massachusetts clean up after the winter, Oakham Fire Chief Timothy Howe is reminding homeowners to burn safely. Out of control brush fires can be taxing to small, local volunteer fire departments. 

The Oakham Fire Department has responded to four brush fires this week alone. Dry conditions and windy weather are two factors that have resulted in out of control brush burning. 

Chief Howe says it's important to follow the rules when properly burning brush.

Oakham Fire Department Chief Timothy Howe said,  "The first off is to know your local regulations. Every city town has little bit different rules they tend to follow. Almost all require a permit. Burnings only allowed between 10 [AM] and 4 [PM] and only January 15 to  May 1. People are getting anxious,  they want to get outside, they're burning brush and with those changing conditions fires are getting away from them."

Chief Howe adds that when burning brush you should always start with a small, campfire-sized fire and never use accelerants such as gasoline.