Clinton County issues temporary burn ban after rise in illegal and grass fires

The Clinton County Commissioners on Oct. 7 adopted an emergency burn ban, citing a recent rise in grass and illegal burns and dry weather forecasts.

Renee Grant, who oversees Central Dispatch and is active with emergency management, told commissioners that since Oct. 1 the county had recorded 17 fires: six grass fires, nine illegal burns and two combine-related fires. She recommended a burn ban and said she had consulted five of seven fire chiefs, who supported the action. “My recommendation is that we do a burn ban,” Grant said.

Commissioners discussed enforcement and documentation. Dispatch and fire departments will continue to respond to calls; typical practice described at the meeting is that fire crews contact people found burning during a ban and extinguish the fires, which usually resolves incidents informally. The sheriff’s office confirmed that citations can be issued under county ordinance and that citations are processed through the commissioners’ office if fines or further action are required.

The commissioners approved an executive order, to be filed as Executive Order 2025‑O1, declaring the burn ban in effect until it is rescinded by the board. The board asked county staff to prepare the written order for signature and public posting; commissioners said the order would be posted once completed.

The county noted it is coordinating regionally; neighboring Carroll County had also issued a burn ban. The county's emergency-management office said the National Weather Service forecast showed only light rain (about a tenth of an inch) in the near term and that additional dryness made a ban prudent.

The burn ban was adopted during the regular meeting and will remain in effect until commissioners lift the order or conditions change.