The thunderstorms that drenched parts of Barton County Sunday night were scattered, besides, the fickle Kansas weather can dry things up in a heartbeat. These reasons prompted the County Commission Monday morning to let stand the county-wide temporary burn ban.
County Emergency Manager Amy Miller said this is not an emergency declaration, as was the case in 2012 when the Commission had to renew the ban each week. Instead, the ban which was first enacted in March, is a “home-rule resolution” that will remain in place until the Commission decides to lift it.
Miller told commissioners she had emailed the fire chiefs in the county and asked their opinions on removing the ban. The results were mixed.
“We could probably consider lifting it,” said Great Bend Fire Chief Mike Napolitano who attended the meeting. He noted the rain and that his department had only responded to eight wildland fires as his reasons for his willingness to allow burning.
“Things have greened up,” Napolitano said. And, he added, if conditions change, the ban can be reenacted.
But, Pawnee Rock Fire Chief Barry Jack, who was also present, said there are still a lot of brown pastures and dry brush in his area. “I think we should go for another week and see.”
Doug Hubbard, who is the county’s 911 director and the Claflin fire chief, said he was fine either way. However, “conditions can dry out pretty fast.”
In the end, the commissioners were worried about the potential danger for fire that could easily return. This led them to not act, thus leaving the prohibition in place.
Barton County is currently listed as experiencing moderate drought conditions by the U.S. Drought Monitor, Miller said. This is despite the spotty rains last week and the showers Sunday.
Under the ban, all open, non-agricultural burning in rural areas (outside of incorporated communities) of the county is prohibited. Agricultural burning is allowed, but only with permission from the local fire chief.
Without a ban, those wanting to burn must still seek a permit from their local fire chief. Then, when they are ready to burn, then need to call the Communications Office administrative number to let authorities know.
Burning must be done during the daylight hours and take place when winds are 15 miles per hour or less. There are also other restrictions.
In March, Miller told the Commission that she made the request at the suggestion of several of the fire chiefs.