(Logan, Iowa) – An open burning ban proclamation has been issued for Harrison County starting, effective immediately. The burn ban prohibits all open burning in Harrison County. The current weather forecast and environmental conditions indicate a very high fire danger. Under the current dry conditions, dead and drying vegetation is the perfect fuel to spread fires rapidly and constitutes a danger to life or property.

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 or agricultural grounds and other flammable items during the ban. According to Harrison County Emergency Management Coordinator, Philip Davis, “Over the course of the last week, there have been dozens of reported fires out of control. Many of these fires utilized multiple fire departments on each fire. One incident reported included fire department response from 12 different communities.”

Violation of a burn ban can subject a person to citation or arrest for reckless use of fire or disobeying a burn ban. You could also be held liable for any damages caused as a result of the fire.

For updated information on burn bans please check the Harrison County EMA Facebook page or contact Harrison County Emergency Management at 712-644-2353. The ban will remain in place until environmental conditions improve.