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Burn Bans in-place for Adair, Guthrie, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery & Page Counties

Ag/Outdoor, News, Weather

February 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Southwest/West Central Iowa) – A total of six counties in the KJAN listening area have banned open burning, due to record high temperatures, extremely dry, and windy conditions. Over the weekend, Emergency Management officials for Adair/Guthrie Counties, Mills, Montgomery and Page Counties, requested and were granted permission from the State Fire Marshal’s Office, to place Burn Bans in effect. Those bans for Mills, Montgomery and Page Counties, are in effect from 8-a.m. today (Monday), until further notice. A Burn Ban that was ordered in Harrison County last Fall, continues for the entire county, with the exception of the Mondamin, Magnolia, and Logan fire districts.

Emergency Managers remind residents not to throw out cigarettes from moving vehicles and to discontinue burning yard waste, piled tree debris, grass/agriculture ground and set asides or other items during this ban. Small recreational campfires are permitted only if they’re conducted in a fireplace of brick, metal, or heavy one-inch wire mesh, however extreme caution should be taken. Any campfire not in an outdoor fireplace is prohibited.

Officials says the open burn bans are in effect until dangerous fire conditions are no longer present. For more information contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at 515-725-6145 or go to https://dps.iowa.gov/divisions/state-fire-marshal/burn-bans

Farmers are concerned about dry soil heading into planting season

Ag/Outdoor, News

February 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – As spring nears, farmers are starting to worry again about moisture levels, because the latest U-S Drought Monitor map for Iowa shows almost a fifth of the state is in extreme drought, with more than half of Iowa in severe drought. Angie Rieck-Hinz, a field agronomist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, says it’s been 190-some straight weeks of drought for the state and planting season is just a few weeks away. “We hope we get some more rain before we get in the field, definitely, but if we don’t, we’re going to really need some very timely rains throughout this growing season to keep enough water supplied to those crops,” Rieck-Hinz says. “We just don’t have a whole lot in our soil right now or subsoil that those plants can draw from.”

Even with several heavy snows in January, now February is wrapping up warmer and drier than normal, which is worrisome for farmers. “They’re concerned. They know they can’t do a whole lot about it. If anything, farmers are always hopeful about moisture,” Rieck-Hinz says. “There might be some ways we can manage that going into spring. We can think about if we can actually go in and plant without having to do any tillage that would dry out soils even more.” Forecasters say there’s a chance for a mix of rain and snow next week, but it likely won’t be significant enough to make a dent in the drought.

“We should probably think about if we have cover crops out there, if we want to terminate them a little bit earlier than usual,” she says, “so we’re not pulling as much moisture out of the soil. That’s something to think about.” March 19th is the first day of spring.

Intro. to Turkey Hunting program in Cass County, March 16

Ag/Outdoor, News

February 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Massena, Iowa) – The Cass County Conservation Board (CCCB) is hosting an “Intro to Turkey Hunting” program, Saturday March 16, 2024, at 10-a.m., at the Outdoor Classroom shelter, located at 76977 Tucson Rd, Massena, IA.

The program will focus on “Becoming a Turkey Hunter.” CCCB employees will talk about scouting, calling, and equipment needed as well as different techniques and equipment used by successful turkey hunters. Officials say the program will be great for someone who wants to start turkey hunting or those with more experience. The CCCB will have examples of calls, decoys, blinds, and other tools used in the turkey woods. So, if you want to hit the Turkey woods this spring but don’t know where to start or would just like to pick up another technique or tip, come to the Outdoor Classroom on March 16, 2024, at 10:00am to learn a few things and get started on your turkey hunting adventure.

For questions call CCCB Director Micah Lee at 712-769-2372.

Shed Antler Hike March 9th in Cass County (IA)

Ag/Outdoor, News

February 26th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Conservation Board is holding Shed Antler Hike. The hike will be held at the Pellett Memorial Woods, north of Atlantic, on March 9th at 1 pm. The event is FREE, all ages are welcome. Dress for the weather.

CCCB invites you to “Cure the winter blues by spending some time outside with family friendly FUN! We will talk about all things antlers! Bring your keen eyes for this scavenger hunt!!”

Participants will meet at Pellett Memorial Woods- located just outside of Atlantic, ½ mile north and ¾ mile east of the KJAN radio station (63066 Troublesome Creek Rd).

“We hope you will join us.”

Field and brush fires reported across Iowa Sunday

Ag/Outdoor, News, Weather

February 25th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Southwest Iowa) – Firefighters across western and central Iowa were kept busy, today (Sunday), knocking down field and brush fires, some of which resulted from controlled burns, while the cause of other incidents were unknown. The Red Oak Fire Department reported on social media, that around 5:17-p.m, Sunday, firefighting crews from the Elliott, Red Oak and Grant FD’s were dispatched to the Justin & Angel Paul property at 1849 140th Street, for a reported brush pile fire that had gotten out of control. Crews were able to contain the fire and terminated fire/ground operations at 5:50-p.m. No injuries were reported.

Sunday evening fire in Montgomery County (Red Oak FD pics)

A Ban on Open burning will be in effect beginning Monday morning, Feb. 26, 2024, for Page, Montgomery and Mills Counties. Harrison County remains under a burn ban until further notice. Adair and Guthrie Counties instituted a burn ban on Saturday. Residents are reminded to “Please make sure all previously burnt areas, brush piles, etc.. have been completely extinguished/buried.”

Less than three-hours after the fire Sunday evening was reported, Red Oak Fire crews were dispatched to property owned by Thomas and Beth Falk, at 1767 165th St, for a reported grass fire. First arriving Fire crews reported one-acre of grass on fire. Mutual Aid was automatically dispatched requesting the Stanton and Elliott Fire Departments, but those crews were  then disregarded.

Sunday afternoon fire

Fire officials say the property owner had been conducting property clean-up and had a burn pit in use. It is believed that embers from this activity started the grass on fire. No injuries reported. Fire/ground operations were terminated at approximately 3:10-p.m.

In Story County, the Kelley Fire Department responded to a fire in a cornfield near 510th Avenue and 300th Street. According to the Story County Sheriff’s Office, the fire grew to 10,000 square feet. A nearby house was not damaged, and no injuries have been reported at this time.

Conditions on Monday may be favorable for more fires with gusty winds and dry conditions. Most of the state of Iowa will be under a Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service in Des Moines from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday.

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures can contribute to extreme fire behavior.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY OPEN BURN BAN

Ag/Outdoor, News, Weather

February 25th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

[Red Oak, Iowa] – Montgomery County Emergency Management Director Brian Hamman today (Sunday), said “An open burn ban will go into effect Monday, February 26, 2024 at 8:00am, for all areas and jurisdictions within Montgomery County. The ban prohibits all open and controlled burning in Montgomery County, including all incorporated city limits within the county.”

Record high temperatures, limited to no moisture and continued drought conditions has created dangerous fire conditions throughout the entire area. Extended forecast outlooks show well above normal temperatures as well as extremely windy conditions causing concern that any outdoor fire will become large and out of control in a very short amount of time.

“Citizens are reminded to not throw out cigarettes from moving vehicles and to discontinue burning yard waste, piled tree debris, grass/agricultural ground and set asides or other items during this ban. Small recreational campfires are permitted only if they are conducted in a fireplace of brick, metal or heavy one-inch wire mesh, however extreme caution should be taken. Any campfire not in an outdoor fireplace is prohibited,” according to Hamman.

Violation of a burn ban can subject a person to criminal charges as well as civil liabilities for any damages, losses or injuries resulting from the fire. The open burn ban is anticipated to remain in effect until the county receives substantial precipitation alleviating the increased fire danger risk.

Adair County & Guthrie County Implements Burning Ban

Ag/Outdoor, News

February 24th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Guthrie Center, Iowa) – A burning ban will be in place for Adair County and Guthrie County starting Saturday February 24, 2024. The ban prohibits open burning in Adair County and Guthrie County, including all the cities within the counties.
The current dry conditions throughout the region have caused an increase in fire responses throughout Adair and Guthrie County. As dry conditions and winds persist, dead and drying vegetation is the perfect fuel to spread fires rapidly.

Adair County Burn Ban Proclamation 02-24-2024

Guthrie County Burn Ban Proclamation 02-24-2024

Emergency Management Deputy Coordinator Jeremy Cooper says “Adair and Guthrie County Fire Departments have seen the effects of fires in extreme conditions, and they want to do everything they can to help mitigate life threatening incidents from occurring. These Fire Departments are volunteer departments and are responding to calls that pull them from their everyday life and work and becomes very taxing on those volunteers. We have been in a drought for over 4 years and conditions just have not been improving much. We have experienced an abnormal winter with really only one major snow event that really didn’t help with the overall moisture levels. Hopefully in the coming weeks things will improve and start greening up, it’s just not common to have a Burn Ban this time of year.”

During these dry conditions, citizens are reminded to not throw out cigarettes from moving vehicles and to discontinue burning yard waste, piled tree debris or other items during the ban. Small recreational campfires are permitted only if they are conducted in a fireplace of brick, metal or heavy one-inch wire mesh. Any campfire not in an outdoor fireplace or left unattended is prohibited. Fire Departments will still be able to proceed with their scheduled controlled burns of CRP land and citizens can also obtain a burn permit from their local Fire Chief, if the Chief approves such a request and signs the permit.

Violation of a burn ban can subject a person to citation or arrest for reckless use of fire or disobeying a burn ban. For more information on burn bans and the law or to check the current status of burn bans statewide on the State Fire Marshal’s statewide burn ban website: https://dps.iowa.gov/divisions/state-fire-marshal/burn-bans.

Iowa’s drought improves slightly in past month

Ag/Outdoor, News, Weather

February 23rd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Iowa Capital Dispatch) – Iowa’s long-running drought has eased since a month ago but is still by far the worst it’s been leading into the growing season in the past three years, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The area of the state that is suffering from extreme drought — the second-worst classification of the Drought Monitor — is about half what it was in December but still encompasses a vast area of northeast Iowa. That includes some or all of more than two dozen counties.

About three-quarters of the state has some measure of drought. The exceptions are a wide area of northwest Iowa and parts of far southern and far eastern Iowa. Drought conditions have persisted in the state since July 2020 — the longest stretch since the 1950s, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The dryness peaked in September 2023.

Many Iowa rivers have very low flow, according to U.S. Geological Survey data. In Osceola, residents have been urged to conserve water as the town’s water supply — West Lake — has dwindled. But the city reported early this month that the lake’s level had stabilized.

The area of extreme drought in Iowa has shrunk considerably in the past month. (Courtesy of U.S. Drought Monitor)

Year-round sales of E15 delayed until next year

Ag/Outdoor, News

February 23rd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

Year-round sales of E15 at the gas pump are delayed until 2025. The EPA published its order Thursday. It follows a request from eight Midwest governors, including Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, to expand sales of the higher ethanol blend beginning this summer.

E15 is currently restricted in the warmer months over smog concerns. The biofuel industry says those concerns are unfounded. Governor Reynolds says she’s not giving up her fight to permit sales this summer and says she is pursuing a waiver.

High Fire Danger persists in SW IA & SE NE

Ag/Outdoor, News, Weather

February 23rd, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Omaha/Valley, NE) – The National Weather Service in Omaha says the warm weather we’ve been experiencing the past few days in southeastern Nebraska and Southwestern Iowa, is here to stay through the weekend. The Weather Service said also, a “Very high fire danger will persist for the next few days.”

In the Hazardous Weather Outlook issued by the NWS in Des Moines, officials said dry and breezy conditions will lead to potential very high fire danger conditions in at least a portion of the area each day. The highest potential may be in southeast Nebraska on Monday, where some areas may see extreme fire danger.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety reports only Harrison County in our listening area, has a Burn Ban in place. That order was issued in late September, 2023, and remains in effect until further notice.