Burn Ban in Effect

Here is the release...

NEVADA- An open burn ban has been issued beginning at 8:00 am on Friday, July 13th, 2012 for all of Story County.

An open burn ban has been instituted to reduce risk to lives and property caused by an increased threat of fire due to dry conditions in Story County. The Emergency Management Coordinator and Fire Chiefs of Story County requested the State Fire Marshall implement this burn ban for all rural and urban areas of Story County until further notice.

Chapter 100.40 of the Iowa Code advises that the State Fire Marshal may prohibit open burning at the request of the local fire departments. Violation of a prohibition issued under this section is a simple misdemeanor.

Open burning in Story County will ONLY be allowed if the Fire Chief of that jurisdiction has issued a permit allowing open burning; or for outdoor fireplaces, barbeque grills, properly supervised dumping grounds, or the burning of trash incinerators or trash burners made of metal, concrete, masonry, or heavy one inch wire mesh with no openings greater than one square inch.

Due to dangerously dry conditions, the forecasted rain this week may not be enough to decrease the risk of fire. Due to this combination of conditions it is likely this will be a long term burn ban.

Further information can be found at: http://www.dps.state.ia.us/fm/main/burnbans/index.shtml or at www.storycountyiowa.gov/ema