No burning ban yet--but fire officials are concerned

Winneshiek County is not under a burning ban--yet.

Representatives from all Winneshiek County fire departments met last night and decided against a burning ban at this time, but would put one in place if there is an increase in uncontrolled fires.  

Firefighters want to get the word out about the importance of practicing fire safety during the current very dry and windy conditions.  Fires can become uncontrolled very quickly.  Burning of grassland areas needs to be a planned event, say the firefighters.  Look at what you want to burn.  Are there fire breaks that will control the extent of the fire?  Do you have a plan to quickly take care of the fire should it get out of control? Which direction is the wind?  Are there fields of unharvested crops that are in danger should the fire become uncontrolled?  Even burning trash can send embers to areas of building you never intended. 

If you need to burn the Winneshiek County Fire Chiefs ask you to contact your local fire department.  You can also call the Winneshiek County Dispatch center at (563) 382-3667.  Decorah area residents should contact the Decorah Fire Department at (563) 382-3472. 

When you contact the fire department, you will be asked the location of the burn, the item you are planning to burn, the counter measures you have in place to control the burn and the contact number for someone on site of the burn to be called with any questions.