• Ban does not go into effect until July 14

A resolution banning open burning and fireworks beginning July 14 was passed by the Lincoln County Commissioners on Tuesday, July 7 during the regularly scheduled Lincoln County Commission Meeting. 

Kelly Hoffman, Lincoln County Fire Warden, said vegetation moisture levels have been trending sharply downward toward the critical stage, however due to recent rainfall the trend has plateaued and conditions are currently not to the point where he felt it necessary to recommend an immediate ban. However, with hot and dry weather in the forecast, he recommended a future date for the ban. After discussion, the commissioners unanimously voted to approve the open burning and fireworks ban to begin on July 14 at 12:01 am.

The resolution enacts Stage One Fire Restrictions, which prohibits “any open fire or discharge of any class of fireworks” on all state and private land. Exemptions to the ban include campfires at residences or campsites within a stone or metal fire ring centered within a minimum of a 15 foot cleared radius, trash or refuse burned between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. inside containers equipped with spark arresters and charcoal fires within enclosed grills.