An open burning ban is in-place for Pottawattamie County, until further notice. The ban went into effect at 5-p.m. Tuesday, September 1st. It prohibits all open and controlled burning in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, including all incorporated city limits within the county.

Pott. County EMA

The current drought conditions throughout the county in combination with unharvested crops present an increased risk for the potential of rapid fire spread. Controlled fires can quickly become uncontrollable.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) program, Pottawattamie County is currently classified in the Severe Drought (D2) classification. More information on current drought conditions can be found at https://www.drought.gov/drought/states/iowa.

Pott. County Emergency Management Director Doug Reed says “Pottawattamie County has seen the devastating effects of fire in extreme conditions and we want to do everything we can to help mitigate incidents like that from occurring.” During these dry conditions, citizens are reminded to not throw out cigarettes from moving vehicles and to discontinue burning yard waste, piled tree debris, grass/agricultural ground and set-asides or other items during the ban.

Small recreational camp fires are permitted only if they are conducted in a fire place of brick, metal or heavy one-inch wire mesh. Any camp fire not in an outdoor fire place is prohibited.