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Keith County fire chiefs urge countywide ban on fireworks and open burning amid dry conditions
Summary
Keith County fire chiefs recommended the county adopt a resolution banning fireworks and open burning while dry conditions persist; the board agreed to place a resolution on next week's agenda for formal action.
Keith County's fire chiefs asked the Board of Commissioners to adopt a countywide ban on fireworks and other open burning because weather forecasts and local fire-weather analysis show unusually dry, high-risk conditions.
Del Zimmerman, representing the county fire chiefs, told the board the forecast showed below-average moisture and above-average temperatures; he said local meteorologists and neighboring jurisdictions reported similar risk. "Our recommendation to you is that there will be no fireworks in Keith County to include the city of Ogallala," Zimmerman said, adding that chiefs also recommended limiting open burning until conditions improve.
Commissioners discussed the governor's recent statewide restriction on local burn-permit authority and how that intersects with local actions. Fire chiefs asked the board to put two separate resolutions on next week's agenda: one banning fireworks and another restricting other open burning; commissioners agreed to schedule a public hearing and invited fire chiefs to appear to answer questions.
No vote to adopt a ban was taken at this meeting; the next meeting will include the draft resolutions and opportunity for public comment and leadership from the fire chiefs to explain local conditions and enforcement expectations.
