Ripley County Orders Burn Ban As Parts Of Tri-State Enter Drought Status

All southeastern Indiana counties now have a burn ban in place.

(Ripley County, Ind.) - It’s now a clean sweep of southeastern Indiana counties with a burn ban in place.

Ripley County Commissioners declared a burn ban Thursday. Ripley County joins Dearborn, Franklin, Ohio and Switzerland counties in that designation.

A burn ban means most types of outdoor burning are prohibited. However, preparing food on gas and charcoal grills is still permitted, although charcoal from grills shouldn't be removed until the charcoal has been thoroughly extinguished.

If no more measurable rain is observed/recorded at Cincinnati (CVG) through Monday, it will end up being the driest month (0.61") at the site in 9 years (Sep, 2010 - 0.57").

— NWS Wilmington OH (@NWSILN) September 27, 2019

Area vegetation is very dry, presenting a real danger of a fast-spreading fire. The U.S. Drought Monitor’s latest update issued Thursday has most of the tri-state listed as abnormally dry, but some small pockets are now officially in a moderate drought.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security has issued the following news release regarding the dangerously dry weather:

The fall season is here, which means bonfires and s’mores! However, due to a lack of rainfall throughout much of Indiana, many counties are abnormally dry. As dry conditions continue, having a bonfire can become a potential fire hazard if specific precautions are not taken.

The Indiana State Fire Marshal and Department of Homeland Security encourage Hoosiers living in a county with an active burn ban to adhere to the local laws governing the county. Several counties in southeastern Indiana are currently under a burn ban. To see a map of the counties currently under a burn ban, visit the IDHS website.

Even if a county isn’t under a burn ban, it is important to always practice proper outdoor fire safety. Before having a bonfire, Hoosiers should always remember to:

• Make sure a fire extinguisher or source of water is available to extinguish any fire quickly before it gets out of hand.
• Check the weather forecast. Weather fluctuations, such as sudden gusts of wind, could cause burning debris to spark a fire.
• Build the bonfire away from power lines, overhanging tree limbs, buildings, rotten stumps, shrubs, dry grass and leaves.
• Build the bonfire in an area that has gravel or dirt at least 10 feet in all directions.
• Keep all flammable objects at least 15 feet away from and upwind of the burn site.

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) also encourages Hoosier farmers to take precautions. During harvest season, dry conditions, coupled with hot farm equipment, pose an added risk for farm-related fires.

ISDA Director Bruce Kettler urges farmers not to cut corners on their safety inspections and to take extra precaution in the coming months. 

“Farm vehicles get hot and dusty during harvest season,” Kettler said. “Knowing that, it’s important to keep this equipment clean from dust and debris, and to inspect fuel lines and electrical systems regularly. These are important steps farmers can take to ensure their safety and the safety of others.”

For more fire safety tips, visit the IDHS website.