The entirety of Calhoun County is now under an open-burn ban. Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Coordinator, Shane says the order went into effect at noon today (Monday.) According to Voith the extended drought we are experienced combined with warmer-than-usual temperatures have already played a significant factor in several recent brush fires. Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio Your browser doesn’t support HTML5 audio
He adds the decision to issue the burn ban was made in consultation with the county’s fire chiefs, and all were in support of putting one in place. According to Voith, residents are now prohibited from nearly every type of open burning until further notice.
In addition to the cessation of open burning, Voith says residents can play an important role in protecting their communities and neighbors by calling in if they suspect a fire could be starting.
He expects the risk of a fire to increase with temperatures later this week. According to the Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office, Calhoun and Greene Counties are the only counties in the immediate area under a burn ban as of Monday. Very specific types of burning are still allowed under these orders but are strongly discouraged. Contact your local fire department or law enforcement agency for more information before starting any type of fire.