P.E.I. Fire Marshal Dave Rossiter is warning Islanders about the dangers of brush fires after an out-of-control fire spread to a barn on Tuesday afternoon in New Glasgow.

The New Glasgow and New London Fire Departments responded, and the structure is still standing.

Rossiter ruled the fire accidental.

The barn was used for storage.

Rossiter said even though the fire index is low, conditions are quite dry. Fires in leftover vegetation from winter can easily get out of control and spread quickly, putting people, property and the environment at risk.

Island firefighters have responded to more than 20 grass and brush fires in the last week.

A burning permit is required for all outdoor burning during fire season, which runs from March 15 to Dec. 1 each year.