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Fire chief says open burning is closed as district responds to increasing ignition activity
Summary
Elko County Fire Chief announced open burning is closed (fire pits allowed with 25-foot clearance and recommended burn permits), warned of recent recreation-related starts and said the district recorded 22 fires in the last month as it coordinates interagency responses and increases staffing for lightning and red-flag days.
During non-action staff comments, Fire Chief Brian told the board that "open burning is now closed," while clarifying that properly managed fire pits remain allowed if they have 25 feet of clearance and residents obtain a burn permit so dispatch is informed.
The chief described recent fire activity and interagency responses: "In the last month we've had 22 fires." He said staff are monitoring forecasts for storms and lightning, and that the district will increase staffing during heavy-weather events and red-flag wind days to help contain starts quickly.
Board members praised the response and discussed stump-removal work in the grove; the chief said crews are grinding stumps and expect to complete the majority of that work by the Lamoille Fair. A commissioner raised the El Niño forecast and hopes for accompanying rain, while the chief said current forecasts show more ancillary storms that can produce lightning without much local rainfall.
