County burn ban remains

With this summer's record-breaking drought dragging on, Putnam County residents are reminded that a burn ban remains in effect throughout the county.

Following a number of recent complaints, Putnam County Emergency Management Director Tom Helmer wants to remind residents that nothing has changed since the first burn ban was declared on June 28.

The ban is in place until the Putnam County Commissioners rescind it.

The ordinance reads in part:

The following activities are prohibited in Putnam County:

1. Campfires and other recreational fires, unless enclosed in a fire ring with dimensions of 23 inches in diameter by 10 inches high or larger;

2. Open burning of any kind using conventional fuel such as wood, or other combustible matter, with the exception of grills fueled by charcoal briquettes or propane;

3. The burning of debris, such as timber or vegetation, including such debris that results from building construction activities.

Burning in burn barrels with 1/4-inch mesh tops is permitted from dawn to dusk.

Violation of the ordinance is a Class B misdemeanor.

Although the county ordinance is only in effect for unincorporated areas, towns across the county have taken similar measures, with several enacting bans with almost the exact wording of the county's.

Following an emergency measure in late June, the commissioners unanimously approved the official ban at their July 2 meeting. It remains in effect until further notice.