DES MOINES, Iowa — High winds are causing grass fires to spread rapidly across central Iowa on Friday, endangering buildings and homes.

The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office posted on Facebook saying they had received numerous calls for grass fires across the county. They urge residents to avoid outdoor burning and campfires, properly dispose of cigarettes, and avoid sparks from equipment.

A three-alarm fire was called near Colfax, where crews have taken offensive measures to keep the fire away from homes.

Several crews have also been called southwest of Carlisle and are fighting a brush fire. Crews appear to have the fire under control but are still working in the area.

Earlier in the day, a field fire sparked on 220th Avenue near Milo. According to Indianola fire crews, the landowner had been doing a controlled burned Thursday and Friday’s wind sparked things up again. The fire was contained quickly, the crew remained to work on hot spots.

Authorities ask people to stay alert and report any signs of a fire to 911 immediately.