In light of the escalating wildfire threat due to severe drought conditions, Jackson County is now under a burn ban.
Jackson County Commissioners President Drew Markel has responded to the appeal from Ben Rudolph, president of the county fire chiefs.
Acknowledging the need for preventive measures, Markel requested Duane Davis, director of Jackson County Emergency Management Agency and Home Security, to draft a proclamation outlining a burn ban.
The proposed ban will restrict open burning activities in the county but will permit campfires and recreational fires within enclosed fire rings. This measured approach aims to balance community recreational needs with the imperative to mitigate fire risks during the current challenging conditions, Davis said in a news release.
“We recognize the importance of recreational activities, but our duty is to find a middle ground that ensures safety while allowing certain outdoor activities,” Markel said.
The use of enclosed fire rings is expected to reduce potential hazards associated with open flames.
Davis underscores the proactive nature of these measures.
“Being preemptive is key in preventing accidental ignitions that could lead to uncontrolled fires,” he said.
The proclamation provides residents with clear guidelines during the burn ban, fostering a collaborative effort to protect the county from potential wildfires, Davis said.
“As Jackson County takes a pragmatic stance to address wildfire risks, Commissioner Markel’s decisive response and the coordinated efforts of local officials highlight the importance of a balanced and community-driven approach,” Davis said.
The proclamation aims to provide practical guidelines for residents, ensuring a collective effort to maintain safety in the face of heightened fire risks.
Effective immediately, the following activities are prohibited in Jackson County:
1. Campfires and other recreational fires, unless enclosed in a fire ring with dimensions of 23 inches in diameter by 6 inches high or larger.
2. Open burning of any kind using conventional fuel, such as wood, or other combustible
matter, except for 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 and/or windstorm debris.
4. The use of burn barrels for any open burning at residential structures.
Charcoal from permitted grills shall not be removed from the grills until the charcoal has been thoroughly extinguished.
All residents are called upon and directed to comply with necessary emergency measures, cooperate with public officials and disaster services in executing emergency operations plans and obey and comply with the lawful directions of properly identified officers.
The burn ban will remain in force until rescinded by the Jackson County Commissioners.