|
 Due to dry weather conditions, more than 25 counties put burn bans into effect to prevent the spread of fires and protect life and property. At this time, Clinton County is not under any kind of a burn ban.
County leaders consider several factors when making the decision to issue a burn ban.
- Soil conditions
- Relative humidity
- Wind speeds
Southern Indiana is experiencing moderate drought conditions, while much of the northern part of the state is experiencing abnormally dry conditions, thus indicating a higher risk of the unintentional spread of a fire.
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security keeps an updated list of the burn bans which can be viewed on the Statewide Burn Ban Status Map. This map will be updated when counties decide to lift the bans. Burn bans can include outdoor burning, campfires and open flame activities.
Media availability
State Fire Marshal Steve Jones is available Friday, Nov. 17, in the afternoon to discuss burn bans and why counties are making this decision. Contact the IDHS Public Affairs team at pio@dhs.in.gov to schedule an interview.
Background
Restrictions on outdoor burning activities or burn bans can be ordered by any local fire chief for his or her jurisdiction, or may be imposed by the legislative body of a city, town or county. While the Indiana State Fire Marshal does not declare local burn bans, the Fire Marshal supports local efforts to reduce the fire risk escalated by dry weather.
Indiana Department of Homeland Security
Established in 2005, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) leads the way to a safer and more secure Indiana. With jurisdictions involving emergency management, building code enforcement, as well as training and certification for first responders around the state, IDHS works to provide a safe, secure and resilient Indiana. For more information about IDHS, visit dhs.in.gov. |
