Dry conditions lead to Douglas County burn ban

Chance for rain this weekend

Because of extremely dry conditions, Douglas County is now under a burn ban until further notice.

The ban, approved this morning by county commissioners, took effect immediately and prohibits building and maintaining an open fire or campfire except in stoves, fireplaces or barbecue grills in developed recreational areas or on home sites.

The ban also prohibits burning fencerows, fields, wild lands, ravines, trash, debris or similar materials.

All smoking materials, such as cigarettes, cigars and pipes, must be disposed of properly.

Failure to abide by the ban could result in misdemeanor charges and fines.

Commissioners will reconsider the ban at their meeting next Monday. If conditions improve the Commission chairman can remove the ban before then.

The ban was approved in consultation with township fire chiefs.

The National Weather Service says the rangeland fire danger index is in the “very high” category today. However, it says thunderstorms may be on the way for the weekend.

The weather service is predicting a 20 percent chance of rain on Friday night, a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms on Saturday and a 20 percent chance of showers Sunday morning.

So far, there has only been a trace of rain for February, according to official totals at Lawrence Municipal Airport. Precipitation totals at the airport through Sunday show that Lawrence is 1.07 inches below average for the month. So far this year, Lawrence has had 0.84 of an inch of rain, which is 1.48 inches below average.