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Delaware County imposes 14‑day burn ban as drought and limited mutual aid increase wildfire risk
Summary
Emergency Management Director Jeff Reeves told commissioners that drought, high winds and redeployed state forestry assets justify a 14‑day county burn ban; the board approved the ban unanimously on Feb. 24, 2026.
Delaware County commissioners voted unanimously Feb. 24 to institute a 14‑day burn ban, citing drought, wind and the temporary unavailability of state wildfire resources.
Emergency Management Director Jeff Reeves briefed the board that county conditions “more than meet the criteria” for a ban and that local fire chiefs polled 100% in favor. Reeves told the board the governor had sent state forestry equipment out of the area, which would limit outside assistance if a wildfire occurred, and he said a Bureau of Indian Affairs controlled burn scheduled nearby might continue through the next day. Commissioner Jake Callihan moved to impose the ban; Commissioner David Beck seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.
The ban prohibits outdoor burning for 14 days to reduce the chance of wildfire during a period of elevated risk. Reeves said the measure is intended to curb human‑caused ignitions while drought conditions persist and to reduce stress on already committed regional firefighting resources.
The board did not attach additional enforcement language in the motion; staff and emergency management will be responsible for alerting the public and coordinating with local fire districts on compliance. The ban takes effect immediately under the board’s motion and is scheduled to be revisited at or before its expiration.
