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Nemaha Co Commission adopts burn resolution

By Greg Bebermeyer/Heidi Wolfgang

02/28/2024

Nemaha County Courthouse

(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission adopted a resolution Monday that bans outdoor burning anytime the National Weather Service issues a “ Red Flag Warning" for the county.

The Commission took the action on 2-1 vote, with Commissioner Jason Koch casting the lone dissenting vote.

County Emergency Management Director Eddie Aldrine suggested the resolution at the urging two county fire chiefs and a representative of the Kansas Forestry Service.

A public meeting was held in January to discuss the merits of the proposed resolution aimed at preventing destructive rural wildfires.

Red Flag Warnings are issued by the National Weather Service when warm temperatures, very low humidities and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger.

Under the resolution, it will be unlawful for any person to initiate, allow, institute or engage in open burning when a " Red Flag Warning" is issued for the county.

Violation of the resolution would be a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine not to exceed $2,500.

In addition, any person convicted of violating or failing to comply with any of the provisions of the resolution may also be assessed all costs incurred by emergency responders in controlling and/or extinguishing the fire.

The resolution will become effective after publication in the official county newspaper.