Burning banned in Monroe County, Indiana, due to elevated fire risk
Monroe County has enacted a burn ban through next Monday, Nov. 20.
A declaration of the ban posted to the Monroe County Fire Protection District's Facebook page says county-wide drought conditions have elevated the fire risk.
Prohibited activities include:
Campfires and other recreational fires unless contained within a ring measuring at least 23 inches around and 10 inches high;
Open burning of any kind using conventional fuel such as wood or other combustible material, except grills fueled by charcoal or propane;
The burning of debris, such as timber or vegetation, including building construction debris, and other open air fires;
and use of open burn barrels for any open burning at residential structures.
Use of aerial fireworks is also discouraged.
MFPD has responded to several fires recently.
On Nov. 12, firefighters put out a 3-acre wildland fire on Streacher Road.
On Nov. 11, MFPD responded to a combine fire on Tailwater Drive.
On Nov. 10, firefighters extinguished a backyard shed fire on South Falcon Drive caused by discarded ashes in a compost pile.
The night of Nov. 9, firefighters responded to an out-of-control brush fire on Paynetown Road that was "dangerously close" to a house. A total of five acres and a shed filled with firewood were burned. Residents reported having a campfire earlier that evening. Believing the fire was extinguished, they left and found the fire burning when they returned.
On Nov. 6, firefighters from MFPD and Ellettsville Fire Department put out another out-of-control brush fire near West Ind. 45 and South Darrell Drive. The brush fire spread along a fence line near a residence. The fire caused Ind. 45 to be closed for a time.
The burn ban may be extended if conditions don't improve. The National Weather Service is predicting a 60% chance of rain on Friday.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Monroe County enacts burn ban amid drought conditions
