ALLEN CO., Ind. (ADAMS) – Despite the dry conditions, Allen County is not currently under any kind of burn ban. Although neighboring Ohio is along with some Indiana counties.
Local officials are urging caution with any kind of outdoor burning in Allen County during this prolonged period of dryness, as fire can spread quite quickly and easily.
SEE THE LATEST ON DROUGHT CONDITIONS HERE
The Allen County Office of Emergency Management has released the following for guidance:
The Allen County Office of Emergency Management encourages residents to use caution when using recreational fires during this prolonged period of dryness.
Our cool, dry evenings are perfect for an outdoor recreational fire and enjoying the night sky with the company of friends and family. We should all recognize the increased risk and take sensible precautions to keep outdoor activities safe and enjoyable.
If you do choose to have a small recreational fire on your private property:
Keep your recreational fires small, limit that to an area no more than 3 feet wide by 2 feet high.
Keep your fire in a metal or stone fireplace, ring, or other containment device. Use a metal screen over the fire to contain sparks.
All fires should be attended by a responsible person.
Do not leave fires unattended. Ensure fire is completely out when complete.
Have a garden hose connected to a water supply, charged, and ready to use. Keep a water bucket, sand and shovel near the fire if a hose is not practical.
Burn only clean wood, no leaves, paper, trash.
Keep your fire away from other structures.
Keep the area around the fire clear of combustible materials.
Remain alert for changing conditions, take appropriate action if necessary.
Understanding the current dry conditions creates a risk of fire which should be avoided if possible or reduced through good safety practices. These key safety practices are included in all the open burn regulations throughout the year in our municipalities, our county, and our state.
Allen County Code requires residents who use agricultural open burning to seek a notification permit from their servicing fire department prior to burning. Open burning is not permitted when wind speeds are below 5 mph or greater than 20 mph.
Allen County Code related to open burning can be found at Microsoft Word – T8-A20 Air Pollution Control.DOC
Indiana laws and rules related to open burning can be found at IDEM: Open Burning: Laws and Rules
For more information about campfire safety, visit Get Prepared: Campfires (in.gov)
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