Richmond County ratifies burn ban, funds signage and outreach amid drought

The Richmond County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday ratified a local emergency declaration that enacted a countywide open-burn ban and approved using cigarette-tax receipts to buy high-visibility signs and spare units for fire-department distribution.

The action formalized a burn ban the county director of emergency services proclaimed on April 30 because of extreme dry conditions and drought-related fire risk. The declaration enables enforcement under the state fire code instead of requiring a new local ordinance, officials said.

The board discussed outreach challenges and enforcement options for communities with limited access to internet and local media, including Amish and Mennonite neighborhoods. Staff described plans to produce bright, ground-stake signs and distribute roughly 50 spare signs to fire and rescue units for targeted placement; the board approved paying for the signs from existing cigarette-tax funds.

Board members also said they expect stepped-up enforcement if outreach fails. County staff explained the legal mechanism: the declared local emergency connects local action to the state fire code, allowing sheriff’s deputies to issue citations under the applicable state code section for illegal burns. Staff said fines and, in larger incidents, equipment-cost recovery are within the fire department’s discretion and courts adjudicate penalties.

Members agreed to keep the ban in place at least through the end of the month and to reassess after forecasted soaking rains or at the next regular meeting. The board asked staff to distribute clear public messaging about the ban, placement of new signs, and the consequences for repeated violations.

The meeting record shows board support for both community outreach and enforcement to reduce fire risk while the region remains below normal rainfall levels.