Montgomery County Emergency Management Director Brian Hamman reports a ban on open burning went into effect 5-p.m. Monday (Sept. 28th). The BURN BAN means all open and controlled burning in Montgomery County is prohibited unless an official burn ban permit has been issued by the proper fire chief.

Hamman says the current drought conditions throughout the county in combination with unharvested crops present an increased risk for the potential of rapid fire spread. Controlled fires can quickly become uncontrollable and pose an immediate risk to the life and safety of our residents. Montgomery County is currently listed in Severe drought conditions (D2) in the northern part of the county and in Moderate Drought conditions(D1)throughout the rest.

More information on current drought conditions can be found at https://www.drought.gov/drought/states/iowa. 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 camp fires are permitted only if they are conducted in a fire place of brick, metal or heavy one-inch wire mesh. Any camp fire not in an outdoor fire place is prohibited.Violation of a burn ban can subject a person to citation or arrest for reckless use of fire or disobeying a burn ban.