(Council Bluffs, Iowa) – Officials with the Pottawattamie County Emergency Management Agency say a ban on open burning is in effect immediately for all areas and jurisdictions in Pottawatamie County. The ban prohibits all open and controlled burning in Pottawatamie County, including all incorporated city limits within the County.

The current dry conditions throughout the region have increased the potential for wildland fire incidents. As dry conditions persist, dead and dying vegetation is the perfect fuel to spread fires rapidly. This type of fire behavior is difficult to control and is extremely dangerous to responders and the public.

During these dry conditions, citizens are reminded to not throw out cigarettes from moving vehicles, and discontinue burning yard waste, piled tree debris or other items during the ban. Violations of a burn ban can subject a person to criminal penalties as well as civil liabilities for any damages, losses, or injuries resulting from the fire.

Iowa counties with Burn Bans in effect (as of 10-14-24)

Visit the Emergency Management website at www.pottcounty-ia.gov/emergency_management for more information on burn bans and the law. All residents are also encouraged to sign up for AlertIowa at the website to receive alerts for fire danger, evacuation notices, severe weather threats, and community emergency notifications.

There are now 58 out of Iowa’s 99 counties that are in a ban on open burning. With the addition of Pott. County, other area counties include: Cass, Adair, Audubon, Guthrie, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, and Shelby.