After a string of damaging fires across Doniphan County this spring, County Commissioners have adopted some new rules for open burning in the county. It could cost you a pretty penny to violate them.
The resolution adopted this week requires you to contact county dispatchers (785-985-3711) if you intend to conduct an open burn, and provide the location and nearest crossroads where you intend to start such a fire. Dispatchers will then contact the Rural Fire District where the intended burn will take place.
The resolution bans open burning after sunset or when wind speeds are expected to reach a velocity of more than 15 miles per hour. It authorizes the County Emergency Management Coordinator to issue a burn ban whenever conditions warrant one.
County commissioners unanimously adopted the resolution Monday. It carries some hefty penalties for violators: at least $100 for the first offense, and up to $500 for each additional violation. Anyone violating the terms of the resolution will be held responsible for any costs incurred by the County or a Rural Fire District on account of a violation. The individual setting the open burn assumes responsibility for any fire damages that may result from said fire to neighboring property.
The new rules apply to all fields (including CRP), rangeland, brush piles, large hay bales, structures, storm damage debris and lawns. The resolution defines an open fire as any fire that is not started in a non-combustible container. (download a .pdf copy of the ordinance here)
Over the last month or so, there have been many out-of-control fires across Doniphan County, including one that jumped the Missouri River and threatened a number of houses, St Jo Frontier Casino and the Remington Nature Center in St Joseph.