WATONGA – Despite last week’s snowstorm, the Blaine County commissioners voted Monday to extend the countywide outdoor burn ban for at least another week, through Valentine’s Day.
The unanimous vote was taken with more discussion and debate than in weeks past, but the commissioners ultimately agreed to extend the ban with elevated fire danger warned of this coming weekend.
Commissioner Brandon Schultz said he had “a slew” of residents texting him last week and asking if they are allowed to burn. The other commissioners, Mike Allen and Raymond Scheffler, said they did, too.
“I said burn if you want,” Schultz said, “and if the sheriff comes and sees you, he comes and sees you.”
Allen pointed out that brush piles can smolder for days and kick up in the wind. “I think we ought to leave it on, personally,” he said.
Sheriff Travis Daugherty said northwestern Blaine County would “light up” with anger if the burn ban remained, saying he’s received lots of calls from the area.
“Do I like a burn ban? No,” Schultz said. “But I think sometimes they’re needed.”
Scheffler said he was inclined to “take it off for a week and see what happens.” But he said that would make it harder to reinstate the burn ban if necessary.
Blaine County has now been under a burn ban since Dec. 20. The ban prohibits setting “fire to any forest, grass, range, crop or other wild lands,” building campfires or bonfires, and burning trash or any “other material” that may cause a wildfire.
Exceptions include certain burners used in road construction equipment, welding activities under proper precautions, and grilling with charcoal, propane or natural gas.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, all of Blaine County is currently experiencing level-three “extreme” drought.
During the meeting, the commissioners also:
• Accepted monthly reports from the assessor, county clerk, election board, health department, sheriff’s department and treasurer
• Approved a request from the Greenfield Fire Department to purchase four air hose reels, couplers, fittings and miscellaneous supplies from Tractor Supply for $500
• And approved a request from the Longdale Fire Department to purchase miscellaneous fire/rescue equipment from Chief Fire & Safety Co. for $4,720
The commissioners also appointed Chad Scheihing, Lane Health and Ricky Joe Compton to the Blaine County Fair Board on a three-year term.
The commissioners will meet again on Feb. 14 at 9 a.m. at the Blaine County Courthouse.