Stutsman County orders burn ban

Mark Klose, chairman of the Stutsman County Commission, signed a Fire Emergency Declaration and Burn Ban Proclamation for Stutsman County effective Friday and expiring March 23.

The ban on open burning was called because of the abundant fuel sources coupled with below-average precipitation, low humidity, warm temperatures and prevailing windy conditions, according to Stutsman County Emergency Manager Jerry Bergquist. He said in a press release that conditions are ideal for grass fires to become wildfires capable of destroying property and injuring firefighters.

Any individual who willfully violates the burn ban is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and 30 days in jail.

Prior to Stutsman County’s proclamation, bans were issued in 21 other North Dakota counties, including LaMoure, Logan, McIntosh, Kidder and Wells.

According to the proclamation, the burn ban encompasses all open burning and includes all of the county’s incorporated cities except Jamestown with the following exceptions: propane/gas, kerosene- or alcohol-burning cook stoves may be used in residential areas or established recreational camping areas, provided that a person maintaining it has ready access to a fire extinguisher; and outdoor welding may be performed for industrial, ranching, agricultural or other business purposes provided that a fire extinguisher is readily accessible at the time the welding is performed.

Questions should be directed to Bergquist or the Stutsman County Sheriff’s Department.

Tags: local news, news, burn, fire