<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4G7Gft_1FPeCirm00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4G7Gft_1FPeCirm00" width="1200" height="600" ><p>JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - Some counties across Region 8 are lifting their burn bans following recent rain and a drop in temperatures, but the ban remains in effect for much of the region, including Craighead County.</p><p>Widespread burn bans went into effect in August. Experts say cooler weather does not automatically lift a burn ban, and lower temperatures can mean a greater risk for wildfires when rainfall has not been sufficient.</p><h2>Drought conditions cited as reason for ban</h2><p>Jonesboro Fire Chief Marty Hamrick cites a lack of rainfall and drought conditions as reasons the burn ban remains in place. Firefighters say illegal burning can also pull resources away from other emergencies.</p><p>“We are very busy working medical calls and all the other routine emergencies. The uptick in grass fires may take away from someone who needs help. I hate to put it that way, but something minor could delay our response to something major,” Hamrick said.</p><p>The county judge has the final say on when the burn ban will be lifted. It remains in place in Craighead County.</p><h2>Penalties for burning without a permit</h2><p>Burning without a permit during the ban can result in a fine or a felony charge if a fire gets out of control. Hamrick said a shift in wind direction is sometimes all it takes for a fire to spread, and backyard fires that spread to a neighboring property can lead to a reckless burning charge.</p><p>“If you were to have a bonfire in the backyard, it gets away from you ... from your yard to the neighbors. [If] it causes any kind of damage, you can be cited for reckless burning, which is a pretty hefty fine, and you’ll also be liable for the damages incurred to your property and your neighbor’s property,” Hamrick said.</p><h2>When a case becomes a felony</h2><p>Hamrick said whether a case rises to a felony depends on a couple of factors.</p><p>“Sometimes it may be the dollar amount associated with it. A lot of it’s gonna be the intent, the intent behind it, you know?” Hamrick said.</p><p>Hamrick said the city has seen an increase in grass fires.</p><p>“We had an uptick of grass fires, luckily in the city most of them stay small because we’re able to get to them quickly. But we have had a few incidents where the trash fire or grass fire is spread to neighboring property. Cost, structural involvement to someone else’s home,” Hamrick said.</p><p><i>To report a typo or correction, please</i> <i>click here</i><i>.</i></p></div></body>

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JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - Some counties across Region 8 are lifting their burn bans following recent rain and a drop in temperatures, but the ban remains in effect for much of the region, including Craighead County. Widespread burn bans went into effect in August. Experts say cooler weather does not...

Burn ban remains in effect despite cooler temperatures

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JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - Some counties across Region 8 are lifting their burn bans following recent rain and a drop in temperatures, but the ban remains in

Burn ban remains in effect despite cooler temperatures

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