County Fire Emergency Burn Ban Order-July 6, 2017
FIRE EMERGENCY AND BURN BAN ORDER
for
McKENZIE COUNTY, NORTH DAKOTA
July 5th, 2017
WHEREAS, the McKenzie County has already ordered multiple Fire Emergency and Burn Bans starting with one dated April 18 th , 2017; and
WHEREAS, McKenzie County, North Dakota has endured abnormally dry conditions compiled with high winds (currently in a drought), and several fires have already occurred as a result of these conditions; and WHEREAS, the impact of fires, especially from the ignition of fireworks, could threaten the health, well-being, and safety of citizens in McKenzie County, and that all available resources remain committed to protecting life and property; and
WHEREAS, the cost of response, the inordinate equipment wear, and fire damages may be far in excess of available County and Fire District resources; and
WHEREAS, the McKenzie County Emergency Manager has consulted with various Fire Districts located within McKenzie County; and,
WHEREAS, under N.D.C.C. 37-17.1-10, the McKenzie County Board of County Commissioners has the authority to renew or continue the Fire Emergency and Burn Ban beyond 7 days.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the McKenzie County Board of County Commissioners declares a continued Fire Emergency, and amends any prior Fire Emergency and Burn Bans to include a ban of ignition of fireworks, garbage burning, campfires, burning of farm or crop land, and unnecessary off-road motorized travel when ANY portion of McKenzie County is in the High, Very High, or Extreme category under the North Dakota Rangeland Fire Index, or a red flag warning has been issued for McKenzie County, or as determined to be necessary by the McKenzie County Emergency Manager.
Additionally, there is a complete ban on the ignition of fireworks, regardless of the North Dakota Rangeland Fire Index. Any prior Fire Emergency and Burn Bans issued by McKenzie County are rescinded and replaced by this ban. This Fire Emergency and Burn Ban will expire on October 31, 2017.
ANY INDIVIDUAL WHO WILLFULLY VIOLATES THE BURN BAN IS GUILTY OF A CLASS B MISDEMEANOR (N.D.C.C. 37-17.1-10.1) WITH A MAXIMUM SENTENCE OF 30 DAYS IN JAIL AND A $1500 FINE. RESTITUTION OF FIRE SUPPRESSION COSTS MAY BE SOUGHT BY THE COURT.
DATED at Watford City, North Dakota this 5th day of July, 2017.