Last week, the Blaine County Commissioners instituted a countywide burn ban. This is a typical move in times of extreme fire danger. The move ends all controlled burns, campfires or bonfires, and burning trash. Grills, either charcoal or propane, are permitted if they are used on a non-flammable surface at least 5 feet from flammable material.
Road construction that uses propane burners, such as those used to eliminate weeds in fencerows, is allowed, as is welding or cutting if it is over a non-combustible surface at least 10 feet by 10 feet. A welding blanket could also be employed, but this work out of doors requires wind speeds of less than 20 mph and a watcher with a fire extinguisher on hand.
Fireworks are prohibited. Anyone convicted of violation of the ban may be fined up to $500.
The ban was continued for the week of April 17-24, when the commissioners will revisit the matter.
Blaine County Emergency Manager Jim Shelton noted that the fire danger remains high all week with Wednesday April 19 climbing into the extreme range for elevated fire risks.