Several Iowa counties under burn ban

The burn ban doesn’t effect farmers.

The burn bans, which will be in effect until further notice, are due to the extremely dry conditions that increase the fire risk.

The state fire marshal’s office says wood fires are the biggest concern.

The state order will become effective at 6 a.m. Friday.

The ban means that open burning isn’t allowed because it constitutes a danger to life or property. Residents in these counties may only conduct controlled burns if they receive a permit from a fire chief.

The State Fire Marshal Division recommends avoiding burning on dry or windy days, placing cigarettes and other burning items in proper receptacles and keeping harvest equipment clean for optimum fire safety.

While driving around, if you happen to see burning sugarcane residue or a farmer setting a fire, Browning said those burns are regulated by the federal government and the burn ban does not apply to those farmers.

“What people should remember is that even if we get a few rain between now and the end of the month, the ban is still in place until it is lifted”, Fondren said.

A burn ban has been issued for portions of Shelby County.