If dry conditions persist, Barton County emergency management officials may ask the County Commission to approve a burn ban come next week, Communications Director Doug Hubbard told commissioners Monday morning.
Although, technically, Barton County doesn’t fall into a drought zone, much of the county is tinder dry, he said. With wheat harvest approaching, this could become a serious issue. There have been several grass and brush fires in recent days.
Hubbard met with fire chiefs from across the county and they are in agreement. In fact, five of the nine fire departments in the county have implemented burn restrictions in their jurisdictions, he said.
These include Albert, Beaver, Claflin, Great Bend and Pawnee Rock. Hubbard said Ellinwood and Hoisington are considering such action. These impact a resident’s ability to request a burn permit only in the areas covered.
“The chiefs are taking a pro-active approach,” he said. Fire departments in the county maintain a strong working relationship.
However, a burn ban would be county-wide, Hubbard said. Such a request would come through the Emergency Management Office.