All land clearing and residential burning in Clark County is banned until further notice, though recreational fires are still allowed under certain conditions.
The seasonal burn ban took effect Wednesday, July 15, and rescinds all burning permits issued before it began. Permits can be reissued or extended once the ban is lifted. Burning restrictions do not apply to federally managed lands, according to a Clark County news release.
County officials implement the burn ban annually from July 15 through Sept. 30, based on historical fuel conditions, though it may begin earlier or end later depending on weather conditions.
“Fortunately, this year we have experienced cooler and wetter weather leading into July so the ban was not implemented sooner,” Fire Marshal Donna Goddard said in the news release.
Recreational fires are still permitted. Campfires on forest lands are allowed only in designated campgrounds, such as commercial campgrounds and local, county and state parks. Fires on private land are permitted when built according to the following regulations:
Portable outdoor fireplaces designed to burn solid wood should not be operated within 15 feet of a structure or combustible material and must always be used according to the manufacturer's instructions, the news release stated.
Recreational fires must be completely extinguished by covering them with water or moist soil, then stirred with a shovel until cool to the touch.
For the latest updates on Clark County fire bans, call the Fire Marshal's Office at 564-397-2186 or visit shorturl.at/lubB6.
