Two illegal fires started Monday amid drought conditions in Weesaw Township

WEESAW TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- On Monday, Weesaw Township Fire Department crews were called to an out-of-control grass fire on the side of Hanover Road, west of Mill Road.

Fire officials say the fire was caused by someone throwing a lit cigarette onto the dry grass, and that the fire was under control within 20 minutes of crews arriving.

Later Monday evening, crews were called to an illegal burning that was left unattended and had caught the grass on fire in the area of Elm Valley and Holden Roads.

A burn ban has been in effect for Berrien County due to extremely dry conditions and will be in place until further notice.