BISMARCK, ND ( KXNET ) — Due to the drought Morton County is currently facing and the dry weather conditions forecasted in the future, Morton County Commissioners have declared a Fire Emergency and Burn Ban effective immediately through December 31.

The most recent North Dakota drought monitor update shows that much of the county is experiencing a drought with conditions that are abnormal to moderately dry. The area is at risk of grass and vegetation fires due to the abundance of dry prairie grasses and other vegetation.

The declaration bans open burning, which includes campfires, controlled burns, (i.e. wood piles, tumbleweeds, tree piles, etc.), cropland/agricultural burning, outdoor fireplaces and chimineas, fireworks both aerial and ground, garbage/pit burning, charcoal grills/smokers, wood fire grills/smokers, smoking, and outdoor welding/hot work.

The declaration excludes controlled devices, but only when the devices — such as gas grills, gas patio fireplaces and chimineas, and gas camp stoves — are on a hard non-organic surface and 15 feet away from vegetation, and an extinguisher or water source is readily available.

The commissioners also caution against allowing trailer chains to drag on the ground, as this can cause sparks, which can ignite a wildfire. Hot exhaust pipes can also ignite fires if driving on dry brush or grass.

Visitors and campers utilizing Morton County Parks must follow those guidelines. The penalty for violation of the ban is a Class B Misdemeanor, which holds a maximum sentence of 30 days in jail and a $1,500 fine.

The cities of Mandan, Glen Ullin, and Hebron have their own fire emergency and burn ordinances as well.

If you are ever unsure of what you are allowed to do, you should contact your Emergency Manager or local Fire Department.

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