Warren and Crawford counties recently issued a burn ban after a series of wildfires and ongoing dry conditions increased the risk of more fires.
This ordinance was requested by local fire chiefs, whose resources have been stretched thin with the rise of fire-related calls.
The burn ban ordinance limits open burning, which includes burning materials like garbage, leaves, and debris outdoors in barrels, fire rings, or on the ground. Campfires are still allowed but only in fire rings with a five-foot area cleared of flammable materials around them.
Ken McCorrison, Warren County Department of Public Safety Director, explained the importance and purpose of the ban. “We’ve had several wildfires within Warren County and within the region in the past week or so and it has really stretched our resources thin," McCorrison stated. "Our local fire chiefs called the County Commissioners and requested the burn ban to lessen the strain on our resources. If people don’t burn, and we don’t have careless burning, it will decrease the number of fires that we have, which will lessen the strain on our local fire departments and EMS services.”
The burn ban began effective immediately on November 5th and could last for 30 days, if needed.
Although rain is in the forecast, officials say that the ban will remain in place to ensure public safety. Full details are available on Warren County’s website, here.