(Stuart) On February 24, Jeremy Cooper, Deputy Coordinator with Adair and Guthrie County EMA, on behalf of all fire departments in Adair and Guthrie Counties, requested the State Fire Marshal to prohibit open burning due to the potential hazards to life and property. The State Marshal’s Office granted the request, and therefore, no person is allowed to engage in open burning in Adair and Guthrie Counties until conditions improve. This order became effective on February 24 at 8:00 a.m. Any violators of this order could be charged with a misdemeanor.
The current dry conditions throughout the region have caused an increase in fire responses throughout Adair and Guthrie Counties. As dry conditions and winds persist, dead and drying vegetation is the perfect fuel to spread fires rapidly.
Cooper says, “Adair and Guthrie County Fire Departments have seen the effects of fires in extreme conditions, and they want to do everything they can to help mitigate life-threatening incidents from occurring. These fire departments are volunteer departments that respond to calls that pull them from their everyday life and work and become very taxing on those volunteers. We have been in a drought for over four years, and conditions have not improved much. We have experienced an abnormal winter with only one major snow event that didn’t help with the overall moisture levels. Hopefully, in the coming weeks, things will improve and start greening up; it’s just not common to have a Burn Ban this time of year.
During these dry conditions, citizens are reminded not to throw out cigarettes from moving vehicles and to discontinue burning yard waste, piled tree debris, or other items during the ban. Small recreational campfires are permitted only if they are conducted in a fireplace of brick, metal, or heavy one-inch wire mesh. Any campfire not in an outdoor fireplace or left unattended is prohibited. Fire Departments will still be able to proceed with their scheduled controlled burns
of CRP land, citizens can also obtain a burn permit from their local Fire Chief if the Chief approves such a request and signs the permit.
Violation of a burn ban can subject a person to citation or arrest for reckless use of fire or
disobeying a burn ban.
For more information on burn bans and the law or to check the current status of burn bans
statewide on the State Fire Marshal’s statewide burn ban website.
