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Wayne County declares burn ban as dry conditions persist across state

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Posted at 2:22 PM, Sep 25, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-25 14:27:04-04

RICHMOND — A burn ban has been declared in Wayne County as much of Indiana experiences unusually dry conditions.

The Wayne County Commissioners said the ban announced Friday would be in place until Oct. 2, or until conditions improve. Residents who violate the ban could face a fine of up to $2,500.

Daviess, Lawrence, Martin, Owen, Parke, Sullivan, Union and Vermillion counties have also instituted burn bans, and Indiana Fire Marshal Joel Thacker warned Hoosiers last weekend to take precautions to avoid fires due to the dry conditions across the state.

"Certainly have a water source, a garden hose or bucket of water," Thacker said. "If you are grilling out, ensure you have extinguishment nearby. Letting those, if you are using charcoal, let coals cool down or use metal bucket to dispose of and fill with water."

Wayne County's ban comes days after Centerville Fire Rescue responded to a large field fire on South Round Barn Road. Crews evacuated people in the area while they battled the fire.

WRTV meteorolgist Kyle Mounce reported Indianapolis has received 0.04 of an inch of rainfall in September. If the month ended Friday, it would be the driest month ever in Indianapolis history. March 1910 holds the current record with just 0.07 of an inch.

RELATED | Indiana fire marshal warns about fire risks during dry conditions | Drought expanding across Central Indiana