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Mercer County adopts total burn ban until at least May 20 after county fire chiefs cite extreme dryness
Summary
HR/EM Director Alice Grinsteinner and Zap Fire Chief Mike Mohl requested a full county burn ban citing extremely dry conditions and consensus among fire chiefs; the commission approved the ban through the May 20, 2026 meeting unless a special meeting is called.
The Mercer County Commission voted on April 28, 2026, to impose a full burn ban across the county until the May 20, 2026 meeting or until a special meeting rescinds it, after emergency management and fire officials said drought-like dryness created heightened fire risk.
HR/EM Director Alice Grinsteinner and Zap Fire Chief Mike Mohl (speaking by phone) requested the total burn ban “until further green up and precipitation is received to alleviate our extremely dry conditions,” according to the minutes. Chief Mohl stated that the request reflected “the consensus of Fire Chiefs across the county.” Commissioner Casey Voigt moved to approve the burn ban; Commissioner Jamee Folk seconded. The motion carried on a unanimous vote.
The minutes do not specify enforcement details, penalties, or exceptions for agricultural or permitted burns. The ban’s effective duration is tied to the commission’s May 20, 2026 meeting or an earlier special meeting if conditions change.
Residents and landowners in Mercer County should note the prohibition is countywide as recorded in the commission minutes; the minutes also direct no follow-up actions in the record beyond setting the effective period.
