Citing slightly damper conditions, the Barton County Commission Monday morning lifted the temporary county-wide burn ban at the request of fire chiefs across the county. Effective noon Monday, individuals could again burn with approval from the fire chief having jurisdiction of the area where the burning is to take place. 

Emergency Risk Manager Amy Miller said burning is still not allowed without a burn permit and without appropriate notification to authorities.  

Despite the recent precipitation, drought conditions continue to affect Barton County, which is still listed as being in severe and extreme drought in the U.S. Drought Monitor, Miller said. High winds also remain a concern.

Fire chiefs suggest anyone wanting to conduct a controlled burn to monitor fire weather forecasts issued by the National Weather Service Office in Wichita to help in planning a safe burn by visiting weather.gov/ict/fire.    

Individuals wanting to conduct an open burn must have a current burn permit and provide notification of the burn location to Barton County 911 Communications at 620-793-1920, Miller said. The dispatcher will advise if conditions are appropriate for burning and if there are any additional burn restrictions required by the fire chief having jurisdiction of the burn location.

Any additional questions concerning local burning, should be directed to the local fire chief.  The chief may or may not issue an agricultural burning permit.