Authorities are reminding citizens to be on guard against fire, even when burn permits have been granted.

Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander tells KSAL News that a couple of controlled burns led to damaged property on Thursday afternoon.

Deputies say around 3:40pm a brush pile in the 400 block of E. Water Well Road was burned and left after the owner thought the fire was extinguished. Embers reignited the pile and burned a couple more wood piles near some out buildings before Rural Fire District #2 arrived and quelled the blaze.

Fire burns grass on E. Water Well

A barn is a total loss in southwest Saline County after the wind switched directions and set a barn ablaze in the the 9500 block of Forsse Road.

Deputies report the property owner was burning a grass field around 4pm when the wind switched and sent embers onto the roof. The owner did not have enough hose to reach the top of the structure. A Ford F150 was also damaged in the fire. Loss is listed at $15,000.

Fire crews from Rural Fire Department #6, #2 and Marquette were on the scene to put the fire out.

Photos courtesy Saline Co. Sheriff’s Office