(Logan, Iowa)- Harrison County Emergency Management Coordinator Philip Davis, today (Friday), said an  open burning ban proclamation has been issued for Harrison County starting, effective from Noon today (April 15, 2022) until further notice.

The burn ban prohibits all open burning in Harrison County. Although there has been recent moisture, 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.

Davis said “So far this year, our volunteer fire departments have responded to 235 calls for service. In 2021, the total number of calls for service from the fire departments was just shy of 400 calls. We have seen abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions much of this year already, and these conditions create an extreme fire danger throughout the area.”

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.