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Yankton County imposes countywide burn ban until further rain
Summary
Commissioners voted to impose a county burn ban after fire department representatives described recent escaped burns and agreed chiefs support a permanent ban until sufficient moisture returns.
The Yankton County Commission voted to impose a countywide burn ban, keeping open-fire restrictions in effect until county fire chiefs advise conditions have improved.
Paul (speaker representing the fire departments) asked the commission to implement a permanent no-burn order after recent days of variable conditions led to an escaped burn near Lesterville that nearly reached structures. Paul said multiple local fire chiefs support maintaining the ban until the county receives “significant rain.” He said the county ordinance (Ordinance 17, adopted years earlier) provides details on permitted burn barrels and fire-ring mesh requirements.
The nut graf: County fire officials described recent incidents and unanimous departmental support for a continuous ban to reduce wildfire risk; commissioners approved the resolution and said the ban will be lifted only after fire departments assess weather and moisture conditions.
Paul explained the ban would not apply to municipalities that have their own ordinances; he said the county would rely on local fire departments to determine when moisture is sufficient to lift the ban. A commissioner clarified that a burning barrel must have a quarter-inch or smaller mesh cover to remain legal under the ordinance.
Commissioner Ryan moved to impose the burn ban; Wanda seconded. The commission voted in the affirmative and the motion carried.
Ending: The ban will remain active until the county fire chiefs and commissioners agree conditions allow resumption of permitted burning activities.
