Fire chief asks to lift pit burn ban; commission leaves restrictions in place

The fire chief asked the Dunn County Commission to rescind the county’s ban on pit and large controlled burns when the local fire index is low or moderate and to reinstate permitting for controlled burns.

“I'm here today to ask your permission to relook at the restrictions that we have in place for burning — to rescind the banning of pits and large control burns and allow those when the fire index is low or moderate,” the chief said. He said neighboring counties and local fire chiefs had permitted some burns and recommended requiring callers to notify the fire office so crews would not be dispatched unnecessarily.

Commissioners and the chief debated risks. Several commissioners and staff noted pits can smolder for long periods and that a fire started in winter can re-ignite and spread under certain wind conditions. The county’s current resolution makes intentional burns during a ban a Class B misdemeanor with a fine up to $1,500 and possible jail time; staff also warned that advising a resident to burn while the ban is in place could expose county employees to liability under that resolution.

After discussion about monitoring, liability and changing drought conditions, commissioners opted to leave the existing restrictions in place rather than lift them. One commissioner said the board could re-evaluate the restriction if short-term weather changes or moisture warranted it. The chief and several commissioners said they would continue to accept inquiries and could revisit the matter at a future meeting.

The commissioners did not adopt a new policy at this meeting; the ban remains in effect until the board votes to change it.