Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John W. Oxendine has advised Georgians to use caution when clearing and burning leaves in the upcoming weeks.

Many outdoor fires occur when people burn leaves and forget to take the necessary precautions. Also, failure to clear dry vegetation can pose a fire hazard as well.

"This fall was unusually dry in Georgia," Oxendine said, "creating conditions that are perfect for wildfires. I'm urging people to be especially careful with outdoor burning to avoid setting off a brush fire."

Oxendine offered the following tips when burning leaves:

1). Check with your local fire department or other authorities before burning leaves in your yard. Some jurisdictions require a burn permit.

2). Consider the weather. Don't burn leaves on a windy day or when conditions are extremely dry. Also consider prolonged weather conditions, such as a drought, when deciding whether to burn leaves.

3). Clear leaves, weeds, brush and other vegetation at least 30 feet from your home; never pile leaves close to the home. If you bag your leaves, store bags away from your home.

4). Do not discard cigarettes near leaves and other dry vegetation.

5). Keep a water hose nearby to put out any stray flames or sparks.

There were 5,697 reported brush and grass fires in Georgia in 1997. Uncontrolled backyard fires can spread rapidly, polluting the air, often starting forest fires.

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