Burn ban reinstated in Fulton County

In response to dry conditions and recent field fires in Cass County, Fulton County Commissioners reinstated a burn ban Monday.

Fulton County Commissioners reinstated a burn ban Monday after having lifted one for the county just two weeks ago. 

"It's unfortunate that we have to do it, but it's better to err on the side of caution," Commissioner President Bryan Lewis said, noting that neighboring Cass County has recently experienced five field fires. 

Commissioner Dave Sommers, residing in Grass Creek, additionally noted that the southern part of the county has been without rain since the second week of August, furthering concerns that fires could spread quickly and become out of control. 

The burn ban went into effective immediately upon its passage at commissioners' meeting Monday morning. It comes with recommendations from the Fulton County Emergency Management Agency and local fire departments and will remain in effect until conditions improve. 

The order declares that, effective immediately, the following activities are prohibited in Fulton County:

• Open burning of any kind using conventional fuel such as wood, or other combustible material, with the exception of grills fueled by charcoal briquettes or propane (charcoal from permitted grill shall not be removed until the charcoal has been thoroughly extinguished);
• The burning of debris, such as timber or vegetation, including such debris that results from building construction activities.

Small cooking campfires and small covered fires, however, are permitted, according to commissioners. Only larger fires, such as recreational bonfires or the burning of wooded debris and/or waste, are prohibited.

To report a violation of the burn ban, contact the Fulton County Sheriff's Office. 

If conditions improve due to significant rainfall, commissioners will rescind the burn ban and again permit the above activities. 

A statewide map of counties that have burn bans is available at in.gov/dhs/burnban. This map will be updated once Fulton County has returned to a normal burning status. Further updates also will be posted to the Fulton County website and the Fulton County EMA Facebook page.