MARTIN COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — With the dry conditions continuing for parts of the Wabash Valley, at least two counties have instituted a burn ban.
County Commissioners in Martin County have activated a burn ban, saying county-wide drought conditions leave the area under immediate threat of natural disaster. According to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security’s website, Vermillion County has also activated a burn ban as of June 1.
The Martin County ban went into effect as of Monday, June 5.
This means residents in the county are prohibited from having Campfires or other recreational fires unless enclosed in a fire ring of specific dimensions.
Open burning of any kind using conventional fuel such as wood, or other combustible matter, with the exception of grills fueled by charcoal briquettes or propane are prohibited.
Debris fires are also prohibited such as timber or vegetation, including debris resulting from building construction or wind storm debris.
And the use of burn barrels for any open burning at residential structures is prohibited as well.
Additionally, any charcoal from permitted grills is not to be removed from the grill itself until the coals are “thoroughly extinguished.”
The commissioners also encouraged residents to limit personal use of fireworks that do not leave the ground and refrain from using aerial fireworks completely.
“All residents are called upon and directed to comply with the necessary emergency measures, to cooperate with public officials and disaster services in executing emergency operations plans, and to obey and comply with the lawful directions of properly identified officers,” the notice reads.
The ban remains in place until rescinded by the Martin County Board of Commissioners. For more information regarding Indiana law and local authority to enact burn bans, visit the Indiana DHS website here. For tips on dealing with especially dry weather and the dangers that can pose click here.
Read the full statement below: