The Austin Fire Department put out a grass fire near the Izaak Walton League cabin at Todd Park Tuesday afternoon.

Austin Fire Chief Jim McCoy said it was the first grass fire of the year for the department.

“Everything’s dry, and the grass fire season is starting now,” McCoy said.

“The ground is wet but the grass is extremely dry,” he added.

A handful of firefighters spent about a half-hour taming the grass fire with water and leaf-blowers — to blow out some of the small flames. No one was hurt during the fire, which didn’t reach the Ikes cabin.

McCoy said there was no evidence as to what started the fire. He noted that many similar fires start after people discard hot materials in dry areas.

Although there were trees nearby, McCoy said there usually is not a danger of large forest fires in this area since the fires don’t get hot enough.

McCoy said this time of the year is typically dry, which means fires can start and spread easily.

“Definitely, spring and fall are the big times of the year for grass fires,” he said.

“As long as the weather stays nice and humidity stays down and the wind blows, every things going to stay dry,” he added.

He estimated there were about eight to 10 grass fires last year, but noted some years see more, depending on the weather.

Burning leaves are prohibited this time of year, and people must obtain a permit to burn brush. Camp fires are allowed as long as rules are followed.