Fishers, Westfield announce burn bans - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Fishers, Westfield and Noblesville are among the most recent central Indiana communities to announce burn bans due to dry conditions. Hendricks County also announced a county-wide burn ban.

Firefighters want residents to be aware of Indiana fireworks laws and to take special precautions because of the drought, and potential for field fires.

Fishers announcement:

In response to extended dry weather, a dramatic increase in ground fires, and a forecasted increase in fire danger due to weather conditions, Fishers Fire Chief Steve Orusa issued an outdoor burning ban for the Town of Fishers today, which also includes unincorporated areas of Delaware and Fall Creek Township.

The burning ban is effective immediately, and will continue until conditions improve.

Fishers has seen a dramatic increase in outdoor fires this year, especially in grass and landscaping mulch.

· In 2011, the Fishers Fire Department responded to 34 reports of fires in grass, brush and mulch.

· So far in 2012, the Fishers Fire Department has responded to more than 80 grass, brush and mulch fires, over 50 of them in June alone.

The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement Tuesday morning, warning of near record breaking temperatures and elevated fire danger throughout the week. Conditions will be especially dangerous Thursday and Friday this week, and the extended forecast predicts continued hot weather and limited chances for rain.

While state law doesn't allow for the prohibition of fireworks between June 29 and July 9, the use of fireworks during the burn ban is strongly discouraged. Those who choose to use fireworks must still follow state laws, which include:

· Users must be at least 18 years of age or have an adult present.

· Fireworks to be displayed on the user's property or the property where they have permission to display.

· Used only between 9AM and 11 PM, except for July 4th, when they can be used until midnight.

Westfield announcement:

Because of the recent dry conditions and no significant rainfall in the forecast, Westfield Fire Chief Todd Burtron has placed a temporary ban on open burning effective immediately. According to Indiana Fire Code 307.1.1 - The Fire Chief is authorized to require open burning be immediately discontinued if such open burning constitutes a hazardous condition.

The National Weather Service reported that in June 2012, Central Indiana set the record for the longest dry period in June. This dry weather has caused grass, crops and leaves to dry up creating an extremely hazardous fire condition. The current forecast does not show any relief from the dry conditions causing the hazard to become more serious.

This temporary ban of open burning is effective for the City of Westfield along with Washington Township in Hamilton County. This ban prohibits any open burning, comfort fires, agriculture burning or similar legal fires until weather conditions improve. Additionally, if anyone chooses to ignore this ban of open burning they will be committing Class C infraction that carries fines up to $500.00 per instance. Chief Burtron states, "The extremely dry conditions pose a significant threat to life and property. Extreme temperatures are expected later this week with little to no rainfall will continue to create drier conditions and more need to protect homes, families and properties from the exposure to fire."

The open burning ban will remain in effect until the Fire Chief has lifted the Open Burning Ban. We urge all citizens to follow this ban to protect lives and property of the Westfield community. This burn ban does not include fireworks. However, the City of Westfield discourages the use of consumer fireworks during these dry weather conditions. If using consumer fireworks, please use extreme caution and use in a safe and responsible manner.

Noblesville announcement:

Effective June 26, 2012, a burn ban has been instituted for the City of Noblesville and Noblesville Township. Due to the drought conditions, the weather forecast, the risks of fire hazards, and public safety concerns, Mayor John Ditslear, Fire Chief Ken Gilliam, and Township Trustee Billie Caldwell signed a proclamation this morning banning open burning within city and township limits until further notice. The burn ban requires residents to refrain from burning for any reason. This includes bonfires, fire pits, and chimineas. Utilization of a gas or charcoal grill for cooking purposes is acceptable; however, residents must allow charcoal to cool in the grill and then douse it completely with water and responsibly dispose of it afterwards.

The current dry conditions can cause fires to develop quickly and spread out of control, threatening residential areas. The Noblesville Police Department will be enforcing the burn ban for its duration.

In regard to fireworks usage, per Indiana Code 22-11-14-10.5, the city is prohibited by the State of Indiana from banning the use of fireworks completely, even during burn bans. However, City of Noblesville Ordinance #50-10-09 imposes the strongest restrictions allowable under state law. Because of the drought conditions, NFD and the city are asking people to voluntarily refrain from shooting off fireworks. The number of outside fires in Noblesville during recent weeks is significantly above average due to the dry conditions. To keep people and property safe, the public is asked to avoid the use of any type of fireworks, sparklers, etc., until the drought conditions are over.

For those who choose to not follow the request to voluntarily avoid shooting off fireworks, the City of Noblesville's fireworks ordinance (Ordinance #50-10-09) states that consumer fireworks may only be used in the Noblesville city limits during the following days and times:

a. Between the hours of 5pm and two hours after sunset on June 29, June 30, July 1, July 2, July 3, July 5, July 6, July 7, July 8, and July 9.

b. Between the hours of 10am and 12 midnight on July 4

c. Between the hours of 10am on December 31 and 1am on January 1.

In addition, the ordinance states that a citizen may only shoot off fireworks on his or her private property. Shooting off fireworks on streets, in parks, on property belonging to others, etc. is prohibited. Due to the risks that drought conditions pose, the Noblesville Police Department will be strictly enforcing the city's fireworks ordinance and will investigate each complaint of a violation. The public may report violations of the fireworks ordinance by calling the Noblesville Dispatch Center's non-emergency line (773-1300). This number is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

"Keeping citizens, pets, and property safe is our number one goal," said Mayor John Ditslear. "While we hope people will understand and abide by the request to refrain from using fireworks during these dry conditions, we nonetheless have an ordinance in place to limit the days and times for fireworks."

At this time, the city's planned fireworks display on July 4th is scheduled to continue. Additional precautions over and above those taken during each year's fireworks display will be in effect. Noblesville city personnel will continue to monitor the dry conditions and how they might affect the fireworks display.

Hendricks County announcement:

Hendricks County Commissioners and Hendricks County Fire Chiefs Association have issued a Fire Ban for Hendricks County. Due to the lack of rain and very dry fire load, a hazardous condition of a very severe risk of fire exists. Effective immediately until further notice, all open burning within Hendricks County is hereby prohibited. This action is taken pursuant to Indiana Fire Code 307.1.1 and 675 IAC 22-2.4-4 which states "The fire chief is authorized to require open burning be immediately discontinued if such open burning constitutes a hazardous condition." Those persons who are found to be in violation of this proclamation may be fined and/or billed by the fire department and possibly subject to additional criminal penalties.

We ask the community to be cognitive of using fireworks and discarding smoking materials at this time. Many mulch fires and grass fires can begin with a smoldering firework or cigarette/cigar. The Hendricks County Fire Ban cannot forbid use of fireworks for July 4th celebrations according to State law. However, we ask that you keep the following tips in mind during these dry conditions:

1. Never leave barbeque grills unattended. Place grills on concrete instead of grass.

2. Dispose of cigarette butts in appropriate containers. Don't flip them out of car windows.

3. Park vehicles so exhaust system does not come in contact with dry grass, leaves, or weeds.

4. Remember firework safety.

a. Do not allow children to use lighters/matches.

b. Place used sparklers and other firework material in a can/bucket of water. Please do not leave on the grass. Remember sparklers burn at 1200 °F. Be cautious when handling them.

c. Don't be near a building when using firework material.

d. Preferably, do not use consumer fireworks. Leave the fireworks to the professionals.

5. Be Fire Safe! People and Property depend on You!

Burn bans by county