County Fires Up the Burn Ban

The drought is leading local officials to re-implement the burning ban in Wilkes county. The state burn ban, which has been in effect since August, is still in effect and covers areas further than 100 feet from an occupied building, such as a home or business. But within the 100-foot circle, the decision is up to local officials. About a month ago the local ban was lifted after several days of rain, but with that well behind us now, local officials are re-instituting the ban effective at noon tomorrow (Wednesday Dec. 12th). Fire marshal Kevin Bounds says this ban carries with it some additional restrictions put in place by the state:

the effect of the two bans together is a total ban on any open burning. The only exception is fires contained within a charcoal grill, within 100 feet of a home or business. Beyond that distance, charcoal grilling is also prohibited. The local ban takes effect at noon tomorrow; the state ban is already in effect.