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Bluff council unanimously adopts temporary fire restriction through Oct. 31
Summary
Bluff Town Council on June 2 approved Ordinance 2026-04, enacting a prohibition on open fires in town limits and aligning fireworks enforcement with state and county authorities. The measure takes effect immediately and runs through Oct. 31, 2026, unless rescinded.
Mayor Josh Ewing and the Bluff Town Council on June 2 unanimously approved Fire Restriction Ordinance 2026-04, enacting a town-level prohibition on open fires effective immediately and set to expire Oct. 31, 2026, unless the council rescinds it earlier.
Town staff member Erin Nelson said she and Mayor Ewing simplified the draft so it only specifies actions the town has authority to enforce. "We decided to simplify the ordinance and only specify things Town has the authority to do," Nelson said. Councilmember Gary Haws clarified the practical effect: "With this ordinance we are enacting 'no open fires' and the rest is specified by State and County." Nelson also noted the town consulted with its attorney and referenced the state statute exempting agricultural burning (State code 65-8-211).
The council approved the ordinance on a roll-call vote: Spencer Wade — yes; Gary Haws — yes; Jennifer Davila — yes; Britt Hornsby — yes; Mayor Josh Ewing — yes. The ordinance text and enforcement details will follow the limits of town authority; fireworks enforcement remains governed by state and county law. The minutes note penalties for inappropriate fireworks use are set by law.
The ordinance is recorded as in effect until Oct. 31, 2026, unless the council rescinds it before that date. The council did not record any amendments to the ordinance during the meeting.
