Burn Bans have become as common as bad weather around here so area fire departments and the LEPC (Local Emergency Planning Committee) have stepped up with newer and hopefully more visible Burn Ban signs to help keep the public informed.
In the past departments have used yard signs to warn citizens but they get run over, destroyed and even stolen.
The new signs are white with red letters and they will be attached to existing street signs around the county. Wherever you see the signs is the same place you’ll see them every time a Burn Ban is put into effect. And for those who aren’t technically challenged, you’ll continue to see the Burn Ban sign on KOGT.com when it’s called for.
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The LEPC paid for the 61 signs that were produced locally by OCARC. The signs will be in the rural areas when needed because it is never legal to burn inside city limits.
There are rules for outdoor burning even when there’s not a ban. General rules include burning only between one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset, with wind speeds between 6 and 23 mph, and the fire being attended by a responsible person at all times. Burning in pits and cooking outdoors are exceptions. Rules can be read here.
There’s a chance a Burn Ban could be signed on Tuesday by OC Judge John Gothia after a busy weekend for area firefighters with many brushfires throughout the county. Newton County issued a seven day ban on Sunday. The picture below is from Mauriceville Saturday.
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