With lingering dry conditions and triple-digit heat, the Barton County Commission voted Monday to re-instate the county-wide burn ban.
The local disaster emergency proclamation states that due to extremely dry weather conditions an extreme fire hazard exists in Barton County. Effective at 12:01 p.m. Monday, open trash burning, campfires, and all open fires are prohibited.
The ban had been in place for two weeks, but was lifted last Monday following weekend showers. However, despite up to three inches of rain in some parts of Barton County this past weekend, county safety officials said the action would be prudent.
“I believe we need to put this ban on,” said Chris Komarek, Ellinwood fire chief, in addressing the commission. His department hasn’t terribly been busy, but he said that all could change.
Barton County Risk Manager Amy Miller said fire departments in Albert, Claflin and Hoisington had also voiced support. Albert, Claflin, Great Bend and Pawnee Rock already have burn restrictions in place at the fire district level.
Adding to the potential problem is that there is a lot more ground susceptible to burning, Komarek said. This is  caused in part by the growth of no-till farming, a practice in which new crops are planted in untilled crop stubble.
Although this has led to fewer burn requests, but has left more tinder-dry material to burn. In some cases, the fire can burn stubble under the canopy of the new crop and go undetected until the green plants start to wilt, said Rick Robinson with the Great Bend Fire Department, who also supported the ban.
Another wrinkle in the coming week will be fireworks. The commission could address this issue when it meets next Monday morning.
As for the ban, outdoor residential fireplaces, stoves and grills are not included, Miller said. There are other possible exceptions, but approval must come through the local fire department.
Miller said any questions concerning local burning, should be directed to the fire chief having jurisdiction of the area where the burning is to take place. The fire chief may or may not issue an agricultural burning permit.
Violation of this state of emergency may result in fines of up to $2,500.
This state of emergency will be in force until noon July 2. At that time it may be extended if weather conditions do not improve.