Jamestown  (CSi)  Stutsman County Emergency Manager, Jerry Bergquist reports that, on Wednesday,(3-31), Stutsman County was placed in a “VERY HIGH” fire danger rating. On Thursday, (4-1), the National Weather Service has already placed Stutsman County in a RED FLAG WARNING. Both events trigger Stutsman County’s open burning ordinance that limits when burning can be safely carried out

With the continuing dry conditions, rising air temperatures and low humidity levels, a combination of “VERY HIGH” or “EXTREME” fire danger ratings and/or RED FLAG WARNINGS can be expected over the next several days. The public needs to be prepared for an extended number of days where NO burning will be  permitted. The restrictions may affect those individuals that are planning to go camping over the weekend.

Stutsman County’s open burning ordinance is in effect 365 days a year; however, it only restricts burning when the Fire Danger Rating is “VERY HIGH” or “EXTREME” or if a “RED FLAG WARNING” has been issued by the National Weather Service. When any of these events occur, 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 by going to the Stutsman County website at www.co.stutsman.nd.us and clicking on the green “Fire Danger” icon at the top of the page   Red Flag Warnings are posted on the Bismarck National Weather Service website at https://www.weather.gov/bis/. This information is also available by calling the Stutsman County Communications Center at 701-252-1000.

A full version of the burn ordinance can be found at the Stutsman County website under Departments, choose Zoning, and click on “Burn Ban Ordinance” on the left-hand side of the page. For more information contact the Stutsman County Emergency Manager’s Office at 701-252-9093.