WABASH VALLEY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — As the dry weather continues, burn bans are continuing to be issued across the Valley.
There are currently burn bans in the following counties:
Illinois:
- Jasper County
- Richland County
- Crawford County
Indiana:
- Vigo County
- Sullivan County
- Clay County
- Greene County
Sullivan County EMA director Jim Pirtle said they also have a burn ban going into effect as of 8 p.m. Sunday, November 12.
According to a press release from the Greene County Board of Commissioners, a burn ban has been put in place until further notice. The release reads, “This means until further notice open burning is to be immediately discontinued including but not limited, to the burning of trash or brush. Violations of this order may bring legal penalties.”
President of the Greene County Board of Commissioners Nathan Abrams noted the danger of the situation.
“As dry as it is, the situation is dangerous and we must do something to protect the citizens of the county. We may have to extend the ban if current conditions continue,” Abrams said.
Residents are asked to refrain from burning trash, leaves, or other things outdoors as they could potentially cause field or wildfires that could spread rapidly in these dry conditions.
Vigo County Commissioner Mark Clinkenbeard says that the community’s help would be much appreciated.
“When you have fires like this it puts our firefighters in danger. We feel like that is unneeded if we can just hold out on our burning for a little bit. When these fires get out of control, they can get into house as well. I really think it is something we need to think about right now,” said Clinkenbeard.
He also wanted to add that there have already been multiple fires in the area due to this.
“There have already been multiple fires with one being 128 acres. A fire like that could deal major damage in many different ways. It is just very important that we abide to these bans,” added Clinkenbeard.
We will continue to monitor these bans and let you know when they are lifted or of others arise.
