The Blaine County Commission, meeting Monday in regular session, determined there had been enough moisture to rescind its countywide burn ban.
“My thought is that if we keep it on, when the grass goes dormant, we are going to be in a real mess,” said Commissioner Mike Allen of Geary. “I know we need more rain, but there are a lot of people waiting on it (the burn ban being lifted).”
Many area landowners rely on burning to clear dead grass and duff from their fields. Controlled burns remove fuels that would otherwise be available for wildfires to consume and spread.
The commission stated Blaine was the only county in the region – perhaps in the state – with a ban still in effect since other areas have received more rain in recent weeks.
In other business the commission approved the re-appointment of Jennifer Haigler to the board of directors for Opportunities, Inc., clearing the way for her second term of three years. The Canton Fire Department received permission to purchase tires and wheels at a cost of $5,568 and Hitchcock Fire Department asked for and received clearance to get parts and repairs for electrical issues in one of its vehicles, expected to cost $3,435.
The sheriff’s office made official the appointment of Eric Denning as undersheriff, effective immediately.
The Blaine County Commission meets at 9 a.m. each Monday, with the exception of holidays, in the courthouse.