Officials in The Dalles are again reminding citizens of the importance of removing puncture vine on private and public properties as well as controlling vegetation growth during the hottest part of the season to reduce fire threats to all properties.  Puncture vine, commonly known as goatheads, is a noxious weed that spreads incredibly fast and produces very sharp seeds.  When stepped on, they are painful to both animals and people.  They are sharp enough to puncture bicycle and wheel chair tires.  The City is working to get the weed under control at targeted public properties with severe puncture vine, but is asking the home and business owners in our community to be proactive in removing puncture vine before it spreads, along with managing vegetation growth to reduce fire risks.