Due to severe and extreme fire situations, the Campbell County Commissioners approved a resolution that restricts the discharge of fireworks in County areas (Fireworks are banned in City limits) and prohibits all outdoor fires in unimproved areas, defined as cropland, agricultural land, and undeveloped land which predominately remains in its natural forested or range condition, except as provided below:
1 - Trash or refuse fires between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., inside containers provided with spark arrester and located within a cleared area of ten feet in radius, are permitted.
2 - Charcoal fire within enclosed grills are permitted.
3 - Use of acetylene cutting torches or electric arc welder in cleared areas ten feet in radius are permitted.
4 - Propane or open fire branding activities in cleared areas ten feet in radius are permitted.
5 - Use of chainsaws provided that the chainsaws have spark arresters properly installed and functioning.
6 - Federal, State, local fire or law enforcement officers participating in fire, emergency, and law enforcement activities.
7 - Public or privately sponsored fireworks display which are coordinated with the Campbell County Fire Warden or his designee.
8 - Fireworks discharged only between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 12:00 am. through July 3rd, and from 8:00 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. July 4th.
Half of Campbell County is in an extreme fire condition area, and the intent of these restrictions is to help prevent all man-made fires - which will assist the Campbell County Fire Department with fighting wildland and other fires. From May 1, 2012 to June 25, 2012, lightning was the primary cause of fires (9 fires), with equipment (8 fires) and railroads (2 fires) following behind. The causes of 8 fires was listed as 'undetermined' during that same time period.
Lightning from afternoon thunderstorms may create multiple fires that, due to heat, low humidity and wind, can quickly spread.
Therefore, please do everything you can to help prevent all man-made fires. This includes: having a shovel, fire extinguisher and water available when you are using fireworks or burning in ways that are allowed under the restrictions. Mowing your lawn and having a cleared area around your property are also beneficial to protect your family, home and belongings, and to prevent the spread of fire should it start on your property.
Basically, use common sense!
Remember: If you start a fire; you own the results and may be held liable for the damage the fire creates.
Photo by Bob Molder
Click here for tips on how to protect your property
Fireworks are banned within City Limits. To report fireworks being shot off within City limits, please call the Police Department at 682-5155. If there is a fire, call 911 immediately.
For more information contact Public Information Officer Joe Lunne at (307) 686-5393.