NewsWest 9
HOWARD COUNTY - Howard County fire officials wanted a burn ban and on Monday morning, County Commissioners granted their wish.
Concerns over the dying dry vegetation that sprouted up during the summer prompted the request from Volunteer Fire Chief Tommy Sullivan.
The burn ban will stay in place for 90 days unless Commissioners change it.
Any violations of the burn ban could get a fine of up to $500.00, but that could increase if fires spread to another property.
People who live out in the county can still burn their trash but there are some new rules in place.
All burn barrels have to have a grate or grill on top, the fire has to be monitored by a person, no more than 15 feet away, you have to have a fire extinguisher or a water hose nearby, and someone has to stay there until the fire is completely out.
Property owners who want to do controlled burns need to contact county officials before they burn.
