County wide Burning Ban - what does this mean to you?

Effective immediately, a burning ban is being imposed until further notice. An Executive Order (no wiggle room) was signed by President Ed Johnson after all Fire Chiefs expressed concerns about the lack of rainfall and dried vegetation creating the enhanced risk of wildfires.

This ban will be evaluated as weather conditions dictate.

Bartholomew Co. Fire Chief's Assoc./EMA/dm

What does this mean to you?

It specifically states "Burning" -  Per City Ordinance "It is unlawful for any person to start, kindle or maintain any bonfire or outside rubbish fire on any private or public property within the city unless the location of such fire is not less than fifty feet from any structure or such fire is entirely contained in a noncombustible container with enclosed sides and bottom and a mesh covering with openings no larger than one-quarter inch square which shall be located not less than fifteen feet from any structure."

Columbus prohibits any and all types of outside burnings whenever local conditions or circumstances make such fire hazardous. Thinking outside the box - I believe people assume immediately this means everything relating to fire. It doesn't.

It talks about BURNING BAN  - or uncontained flames such as a campfire. This is an open flamed fire and is considered burning.

A fire-pit on the other hand may be permitted in the County, if it is below the ground and enclosed in cinderblocks with a metal screen over the enclosure - remember this should be monitored continuously. - keep in mind the "City Ordinance about pit fires"

Grilling out - I would think you could grill as long as your grill holds charcoal briquettes and has a cover, 1/4" wire mesh screen and you dispose of the used charcoal correctly, you shouldn't have any issues. (Common Sense)

Fireworks - The State Fire Marshall says there is no plan to restrict the use of fireworks but wants everyone to be extra careful.

In Allen County Fireworks are restricted to June 29th to July 3rd and then July 5th to July 9th between the hours of 5:00 p.m. to two hours after sunset; on July 4th, fireworks can be discharged between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 midnight. - Common sense again, if you see firework debris landing go over and make sure it is out.

I wouldn't think a “burning ban” would include:

• Liquid-fueled or gas-fueled stoves
• Fireplaces contained within buildings
• Charcoal grills at private residences
• Constructed permanent fire pits or fire grates within developed camp and picnic grounds or recreation sites
• Connection with prescribed or controlled burns for agricultural or irrigation purposes located within and completely surrounded by irrigated farmlands where such burning is necessary for crop survival and specific written approval has been granted by the sheriff of the county in which the prescribed burn is to occur.

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