Stay up to date on fire danager information for Stutsman County on line at http://www.co.stutsman.nd.us/fire-danger.html for daily updates, on conditions.

The Governor’s declaration/burn ban is in effect through April 15, 2015, unless rescinded or extended.

Stutsman County Emergency Manager, Jerry Bergquist says, unlike burn bans in the past that were declared by the Stutsman County Commission, the Governor’s burn ban prohibits all open burning with no exceptions. It also includes the HIGH category of the Fire Danger Rating system which leaves only the LOW and MODERATE categories that out-door burning can legally take place. And, the Governor’s declaration/burn ban packs a punch. Any individual who willfully violates the burn ban is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor (NDCC 37-17.1-10.1) punishable by a fine of up to $1000.00 and 30 days in jail.

The Stutsman County Sheriff’s Department is authorized to issue citations to violators.  

A wait and see position will need to be taken as to whether or not the Governor’s declaration/burn ban will be rescinded early, expire on April 15, 2015, or be extended. If the burn ban is rescinded or expires, Stutsman County Emergency Management will be polling the area fire chiefs to find out whether or not a burn ban should be declared by the County Commission in place of the Governor’s burn ban.