Monroe County declared a local disaster emergency and put in place a burn ban because of drought conditions Monday. Penny Githens, president of the Monroe County Board of Commissioners, declared the ban, which is effective until Nov. 20 unless further ordered by the Board of Commissioners.
The ban was instated for the protection of the people and property in Monroe County, which is at risk of widespread fire hazards.
Effective Nov. 13, campfires and other recreational fires are prohibited, unless enclosed in a fire ring, a device to contain fires, with dimensions of at least 23 inches in diameter and 10 inches in height. Open burning of any kind, except grills fueled by charcoal briquettes or propane, burning debris and the use of burn barrels for open burning at residential structures are also banned.
The declaration strongly recommends that residents limit use of fireworks. Charcoal from permitted grills should not be removed until the charcoal has been fully extinguished.
According to Indiana code, the principal executive officer of a political subdivision may declare a local disaster emergency and activate a response.
