Sebastian County Government: Burn Ban Issued Effective 9/22/2021

Fort Smith AR

23 September, 2021

11:47 AM

Description

Press release from the Sebastian County Government: September 22, 2021 (Sebastian County, AR) Contact: David Hudson, Sebastian County Judge @ (479) 783-6139 Effective immediately, County Judge David Hudson, has enforced Sebastian County's Ordinance No. 88-13 banning outdoor burning of trash, debris, brush, and all other materials during this period when conditions are extremely dry. Lawns, fields, and wooded areas are exceptionally dry and the flash point for outdoor fires is unusually low. Without any significant rain, conditions will continue to dry out vegetation and spread fire more quickly. Judge Hudson stated that for the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the County, all outdoor burning is banned until such time as relief from the hazardous dry weather situation is provided.   Compounding the hazard of low flash point are the factors of built in, self-producing wind from open fires during this type of weather situation which cause extreme difficulties in containing and controlling outdoor fires as well as the hazard and threat to life for those attempting to control and extinguish the flames. Those who violate the restriction will be prosecuted in compliance with the County Ordinance subject to a fine of not less than $25.00 or more than $300.00.  We solicit and appreciate the support of everyone during this time and would request additional caution and good judgment be used by smokers and that smoking material be extinguished in an ash tray or safe container rather than be discarded along our roads and highways.   We urge all citizens to work together to protect the lives and property, themselves, their families, and neighbors. The burning ban will stay in existence until sufficient rain has reduced the fire hazard. This press release was produced by the Sebastian County Government. The views expressed here are the author's own.