Dry conditions prompt a burn ban in Saline County.

According to the Saline County Emergency Management Office, effective Tuesday, the county commission declared a State of Local Disaster Emergency to ban open burning operations in Saline County. This resolution is in effect for seven days for all cities and townships within Saline County.

Saline County has been in the “Very High” to “Extreme” Grassland Fire Danger Index due to dry conditions and high winds. These conditions have significantly increased the likelihood of fires becoming out of control, which may endanger the health and safety of persons and property in Saline County and may also exhaust firefighting resources and manpower. The recommendation was brought before the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners by the Emergency Management office in collaboration with the Rural Fire Chiefs.

This Resolution issuing a State of Local Disaster Emergency prohibits any and all open burning within the boundaries of Saline County by all citizens and visitors.

Listed are some examples of items that cannot be burned for the duration of the burn ban:
• Burning of all fence rows, fields, wild lands, ravines, and debris
• Burning of any waste and normal household trash in a container
• Any open fire or campfire except in permanent household stoves or fireplaces or barbecue grills
• Careless use of smoking materials, including cigarettes, cigars and smoking pipes

Any violation of this order will constitute a Class A misdemeanor, pursuant to K.S.A 48-939, and any person convicted of such violation will be punished as provided by law.

If anyone has information of persons violating this resolution, contact the Salina – Saline County Dispatch Center at 785-826-7210 or the Emergency Management Office at 785-826-6511.