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Shelby County Fire Danger remains HIGH despite recent rains

News

August 9th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

Officials with the Shelby County Emergency Management Agency say the recent rains which fell over the County were very much appreciated, but they didn’t result in a reduced fire risk. As a result the Fire Danger Index will remain in HIGH Category.  Most of the rain fell in the central and northeast parts of the County, and rain is in the forecast for Saturday or more likely on Sunday, which will certainly help.  Regardless, and while Shelby County is not in an official burn ban, EMA officials remind citizens and businesses who need to burn, to call the Emergency Management office at 755-2124.

Officials say there were some unannounced burns held over the last few weeks, to which Fire personnel responded. Those volunteers all have regular jobs, and reducing these types of calls is essential to good employee-employer relations. Emergency Management Coordinator Bob Seivert says “Those employers who support their personnel, by allowing them take time to fight fires are going the “extra mile” and should be commended.” Seivert say also, volunteer firefighters shouldn’t have to take time from work attending to unnecessary and unannounced controlled burns.