MERINO, Colo. -- Merino Volunteer Fire Department investigated two vehicle fires Thursday afternoon. 

The fire department first responded to a vehicle fire in the area of MM112 on Interstate 76 just west of the Atwood exit that left the interstate down to one lane. 

As the volunteers were headed back to work they were called to a second vehicle fire on Colorado Avenue.

A fire extinguisher was unsuccessful, so Engine 27 responded and extinguished the fire within a few minutes.

The fire department made a Facebook post clarifying what is considered a controlled burn and what is not allowed. 

Irrigation ditches; agricultural open burning (field); clean lumber (non-treated), these cannot be painted, pigment-stained or pressure-treated by compounds such as chromium copper arsenate; pentachlorophenol; or creosote; weeds and natural wood (sticks and branches) are all considered controlled burns. 

Firepits (campfires) and metal burn barrels are allowed for burns without notification required. 

Treated wood, tree stumps (they burn for several days and can cause other fires), plastic, tires, chemicals, construction debris (clean and untreated wood), and buildings or structures for demolition purposes are considered burns that are not allowed. 
 
If you are unsure if your burn is allowed please contact the Sterling Emergency Communications Center at 970-522-3512 Ext 1.