Dry weather predicted as state burn ban continues

“So the burn ban went into effect this (Friday) morning at 6 a.m. What it means is no outdoor burning on your property”.

Cerro Gordo County Emergency Manager Steve O’Neil said he follows the lead of fire departments in the area, and if they ask for one, he will contact the State Fire Marshal to have a burn ban enacted.

This ban included residential trash, construction over use and open pit burning with and without air curtain destructors.

“It’s been about four weeks since many of us have seen any kind of rainfall so we’ve been unusually dry”. Residents in these counties may only conduct controlled burns if they receive a permit from a fire chief.

Violation of the burn ban could result in criminal or civil penalties. You could face a hefty fine or jail time if you don’t get one.

The Fire Marshal’s Office said local fire departments or governments must give permission for private burning until further notice.

There is no estimated timeline on when the ban will end. “Given that, I think it’s best that we put into effect a burn ban for the entire county”.