An initial report of a possible house fire early this (Saturday) morning south of Atlantic turned out to be a controlled burn or trees and other debris. The Atlantic Fire Department was initially dispatched to a possible house fire at 7:13-a.m. Two separate callers had reported seeing flames from a distance, possibly from a home east of Highway 71 off the Landfill Road.

Once fire officials arrived on the scene, it was determined there were several fires…all trees and other types of debris cleared from a field or ditch…that was part of a controlled burn. The flames were easily visible from Highway 71. Fire officials were set to have a talk with the person responsible for the controlled burn…reminding them they need to call the Fire Department when such activities are planned, so false alarms do not cause the fire department to respond needlessly, with personnel and equipment.