Full Notification

Burn Ban Issued for Wayne County
For Immediate Release
 
On September 19, 2024 at 12:00 p.m., at the request of the jurisdictional fire chiefs throughout Wayne County and the Wayne County Firefighter’s Association, the Wayne County Commissioners declared Wayne County to be in a State of Local Emergency due to extremely dry conditions and have implemented a Burn Ban for all of Wayne County.  This emergency is in effect until conditions improve but will be reviewed and evaluated every seven (7) days.
 
The following activities are prohibited under this Burn Ban:
1. campfires, other recreational fires and ceremonial fires;
2. open burning of any kind using conventional fuel such as wood, or other combustible matter, with the exception of grills fueled by charcoal briquettes or propane;
3. the burning of debris, such as timber or vegetation, including such debris that results from building construction activities;
4. the use of burn barrels for any open burning at residential structures;
5. the discarding of matches, ashes, or other burning materials from a vehicle; and
6. the use or discharge of any aerial firework devices.
 
This order shall not prohibit the use of gas or charcoal grills used solely for the preparation of food; fires within fireplaces; or fires within incinerators permitted by state law if all such fires are closely attended while burning and properly extinguished.  Charcoal from permitted grills shall not be removed from the grills until the charcoal has been thoroughly extinguished.
 
Authority for this declaration is found in Indiana Code Title 10, Article 14, Chapter 3, the Emergency Management Disaster Law and also in Chapter 3 of the Wayne County Ordinance entitled Emergency Management Agency Advisory Council and Emergency Management Agency.  The Declaration of State of Emergency activates special powers and procedures of the commissioners to effectively respond to emergency needs of Wayne County citizens.
 
All Wayne County citizens are directed to comply with emergency measures and to cooperate with public officials and emergency services when it comes to this declared “Burn Ban.”  Persons who fail to observe, abide by or comply with emergency orders may be held liable for a fine of up to $2,500.00.
 
Direct requests for life-threatening emergencies to 9-1-1, local law enforcement or emergency services personnel.  Questions or clarifications about the Burn Ban may be directed towards your jurisdictional fire department, Wayne County Emergency Management Agency at (765) 973-9399, or the Wayne County Commissioners’ Office at 765-973-9327.