BISMARCK, N.D. ( KXNET ) — Burleigh and Emmons Counties have declared a state of Fire Emergency, and are now enforcing burn restrictions.

The current restrictions remain in effect whenever the ND Rangeland Fire Danger Rating is in the High, Very High, or Extreme Rating, or a Red Flag Warning has been issued. As a large portion of North Dakota is currently under the same conditions, officials want to ensure that appropriate assets remain available to help fight active fires throughout the state.

The city of Bismarck has permanent burn restrictions in place through an adopted fire code. Below is a list of the practices included and excluded in this ban.

Included: No open burning is permitted, including campfires, controlled burns, cropland/agricultural burning, aerial or ground fireworks, garbage/pit burning, and unnecessary off-road motorized travel on anything other than a paved or gravel surface.

Excluded: Controlled devices (including gas patio fireplaces and chimneys, gas camp stoves, gas, charcoal, or wood-fired grills, gas camp stoves, and smokers) are permitted, but must be on hard, non-organic surfaces and 15′ away from vegetation. If this is not possible, water must be available on-site.

These burn restrictions are currently in effect, and will last until formally rescinded or through November 15. The penalty for violating these restrictions is a Class B misdemeanor, which results in a maximum sentence of 30 days in jail and a $1,500 fine.

The current Rangeland Fire Rating can be found on the ND Department of Emergency Services’ website, and is available here .

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