What a difference a few days DON’T make.
That is what public safety experts are finding during this summer of continuing record-breaking heat and drought.
This week, the Barton County Commissioners agreed to drop the burn ban for the county, but they were clear that it is undoubtedly a temporary change, only.
As is always the case, the final decision of exposed burning, including agriculture burning, is up to the local fire chief, it was explained.
This week, however, due to the general rain that was received last week, the local chiefs agreed that dropping the ban for one week would be OK.
On the other hand, it is clear, based on this week’s weather, that dangerous conditions are still at hand.
Emergency Risk Manager Amy Miller noted that if something doesn’t change, the county will be right back in a burn ban again by the next commission meeting, next Monday.
Great Bend Fire Department Battalion Chief Rick Robison noted that there’s little chance of conditions improving with the high temperatures and wind returning.
It was noted that there are ag producers who need to get field burning done before fall.