Billings County enacts total burn ban as drought and fire risk rise

Billings County Commissioners voted unanimously on July 31 to enact a countywide total burn ban effective immediately, citing abnormally dry conditions, high winds and frequent fire responses.

Fire Chief Kyle Shockley told the board recent fire behavior did not match the fire index and that minimal rainfall and a hot, dry forecast warranted stronger restrictions. The resolution declares a total ban on open burning "effective immediately until further notice," with the only allowed exception being "the responsible use of gas grills used at a safe distance from combustible materials," and states violations may be prosecuted under NDCC 37-17.0-10.1 as a class B misdemeanor with potential fines, jail time and restitution for fire suppression costs.

The ban specifically prohibits garbage burning, campfires, burning of farm or crop land, unnecessary off-road motorized travel, ignition of fireworks, and smoking in undesignated areas. The resolution requires industrial and farm operations to keep fire extinguishers and normal firefighting equipment available and to remain on site for a half hour after daily operations.

Commissioner Steven Klym moved to enact the burn ban; Commissioner James Haag seconded the motion and the board voted aye. The ban will be reviewed periodically as conditions improve.