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(CSi) Last year, the Stutsman County Commission approved an open burning ordinance that limits when burning can be safely carried out.\u00a0 The ordinance is in effect 365 days a year.\u00a0 However, it restricts burning only when the Fire Danger Rating for Stutsman County is in the \u201cVERY HIGH\u201d or \u201cEXTREME\u201d categories or if a \u201cRED FLAG WARNING\u201d has been issued by the National Weather Service.<\/p>\n
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Stutsman County Emergency Manager, Jerry Bergquist says, because of the dry conditions, Wednesday was the first day this season that Stutsman County has been placed in the \u201cVERY HIGH\u201d<\/strong> fire danger category.\u00a0 Because of these conditions, the ordinance dictates that NO burning is permitted within Stutsman County. This includes starting, conducting, allowing, maintaining, or soliciting any open burn activities.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Violations of the open burning ordinance will be enforced.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This ordinance is in effect in all of Stutsman County including its incorporated cities that do not have their own open burning ordinances.\u00a0 The ordinance does not include the City of Jamestown which has its own ordinances relating to burning.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n