March 19, 2025
Local NewsState & National

Adair County still under burn ban

By Adair/Guthrie County EMA
Fire burns approximately 25-30 acres of a farm field near 270th and Lewis Avenue southwest of Greenfield Wednesday, March 12. Fontanelle and Greenfield firefighters were dispatched to the scene to help bring the fire under control.

Fire burns approximately 25-30 acres of a farm field near 270th and Lewis Avenue southwest of Greenfield Wednesday, March 12. Fontanelle and Greenfield firefighters were dispatched to the scene to help bring the fire under control. (Fontanelle Fire and Rescue)

The Iowa Department of Public Safety announced a burn ban for Adair and Guthrie counties 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 11. This means conditions are drier than normal and the chances of a fire growing out of control are much higer. A burn ban is issued to prohibit outdoor fires to vegetation, rubbish or yard waste when it would otherwise be permitted.

Officials say campfires, fire pits and back yard fireplaces can be used during a burn ban as long as they’re properly contained, monitored and extinguished. Residents are encouraged to check with local officials because some locales may prohibit these even if a burn ban is not in place.

“Burn bans are likely to be requested every spring and fall. This year the state has seen near unpredecented dry conditions. Spring winds and dry vegetation allows fires to spread very rapidly,” a release last week said. “Many people underestimate the fire risk during these extended periods of dryness placing them in high risk of becoming injured by outdoor fires. Many outdoor grass and yard waste fires are a matter of wanting to burn rather than a need to burn.”

A fire chief or emergency manager speaking on behalf of a majority of the fire chiefs in a particular county can request the State Fire Marshal’s Office to issue a burn ban. State-issued burn bans are issued countywide, but nothing prevents a city or single fire district from issuing a burn ban for their area.

Local fire chiefs may choose to issue a permit to burn for a specific case where burning is needed. Those needing to burn can contact their local fire chief who can review their burn plan with them.

Even when there is not a burn ban, it is best to contact your local fire chief and dispatch center to let them know you’re planning to do a controlled burn, giving them the time that will be, your contact information and the name of someone who will be on scene monitoring it.

Those who violate a burn ban may be subject to a simple misdemeanor citation that requires a court appearance. A magistrate could sentence the offender to up to 30 days in jail and/or $105 to $800 in fines if found guilty.