Jamestown   (CSi)  Stutsman County Emergency Manager, Jerry Bergquist says as weather conditions improve and outdoor activities increase, Stutsman County residents need to be reminded of the open burning ordinance that limits when burning can be safely carried out.

The ordinance is in effect 365 days a year. However, it restricts burning only when the Fire Danger Rating for Stutsman County is in the “VERY HIGH” or “EXTREME” categories or if a “RED FLAG WARNING” has been issued by the National Weather Service.

If Stutsman County is placed in either the “VERY HIGH” or “EXTREME” fire danger categories, the ordinance dictates that NO burning is permitted within Stutsman County. This includes starting, conducting, allowing, maintaining, or soliciting any open burn activities.Violations of the open burning ordinance will be enforced.

A violation is a Class B misdemeanor, for which a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail, a fine of $1,500.00 or both may be imposed.This ordinance is in effect in all of Stutsman County including its incorporated cities that do not have their own open burning ordinances. The ordinance does not include the City of Jamestown which has its own ordinances relating to burning.The daily Fire Danger Rating can be found either by going to the Stutsman County websiteatwww.co.stutsman.nd.usand clicking on the green “Fire Danger”icon at the top of the page,or by calling the Stutsman County Communications Center at 701-252-1000.

A full version of the burn ordinance can also be found at the website under Departments, choose Zoning, and click on “Burn Ban Ordinance” on the left-hand side of the page.Because of the dry conditions, expect a series of days where burning will be restricted until the countryside greens-up. For more information contact the Stutsman County Emergency Manager’s Office at 701-252-9093