Jamestown (CSi)  Stutsman County has adopted  a year-round ban on open burning during times of Very High or Extreme fire conditions or during a Red Flag Warning.

The Ordinance approved unanimously by the Stutsman County Commission, specifies the difference between open burn and open fire. Open burning is prohibited when conditions on the fire index are Very High or Extreme conditions and Red Flag Warnings are issued.

Stutsman County State’s Attorney Fritz Fremgen says  the ordinance does allow for open fires.

The ordinance also requires the public to be aware of the fire index in the county before  burning. The commission approved of the ordinance unanimously, putting it into effect immediately.

Stutsman County Emergency Manager Jerry Bergquist adds that the ordinance would not count towards camping fires or fires that could not cause sparks.