Continued dry conditions, warm temps prompting burn bans, fire concerns

Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 5:44 AM

continued-dry-conditions-warm-temps-prompting-burn-bans-fire-concerns

Due to dry weather conditions, more than 25 counties put burn bans into effect to prevent the spread of fires and protect life and property.

Shelby and neighboring counties Bartholomew and Rush currently have enacted burn bans.

County leaders consider several factors when making the decision to issue a burn ban.

Soil conditions Relative humidity Wind speeds

Southern Indiana is experiencing moderate drought conditions, while much of the northern part of the state is experiencing abnormally dry conditions, thus indicating a higher risk of the unintentional spread of a fire.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security keeps an updated list of the burn bans which can be viewed on the Statewide Burn Ban Status Map. This map will be updated when counties decide to lift the bans.

Burn bans can include outdoor burning, campfires and open flame activities.

Relief could be on the way this week. Temperatures are supposed to drop into the 50s for weekend highs. Plus, Indiana has rain chances going into the weekend and chances of thunderstorms starting the next work week.