One man’s cinder block grill that apparently caught a field on fire and a man burning trash after dark were cited by deputies with burning offenses during the weekend.

Chief Larry Farley of the Rutherford County Fire and Rescue Department issued Friday a temporary ban on all open air and outdoor burning in the unincorporated areas of Rutherford County.

“County residents are strongly urged not to shoot fireworks of any type and to use extreme caution,” Farley said in a press release. “The dry conditions and lack of rain has created a very dangerous environment for grass and forest fires.”

After the ban was issued, Bobby Joe Mullins, 36, of U.S. Highway 41 South (Manchester Highway) watered around his cinder block grill before he left the fire unattended for a few minutes Saturday evening at his home, Deputy Robert Horne reported. The fire raged out of control and burned one-fourth of an acre before Rutherford County Fire and Rescue firefighters extinguished the blaze.

“Due to the hazards posed by dried vegetation and trees in close proximity to Mr. Mullins’ fire, he was issued a citation for violation of fire burn permits and fire bans,” Horne reported.

Mullins is expected to answer the citation Aug. 20 in General Sessions Court.

In an unrelated case, Deputy Chris Erwin cited James Hodge, 46, of Double Springs Road with reckless burning Friday night.

When Erwin arrived, he saw Hodge pouring gas on flames where he burned trash near his home. Several flammable objects were located near the home and fire. Erwin asked Hodge to extinguish the fire.

Hodge tried to extinguish the fire but volunteer firefighters responded to put the fire out.

Erwin cited him, explaining the burn ban was in effect because of the dry conditions. Hodge is expected to be in General Sessions Court July 17.