By Jerry Fink

A burn ban has been put into effect by the McIntosh County Commissioners until further notice.

The ban was enacted at the Monday, Oct. 28 meeting, and will remain active immediately for a period of about 14 days or for as long as the extreme danger persists.

It may be removed or extended by board resolution.

Violating the ban is a misdemeanor and a suspect may be fined not more than $500 and or imprisoned up to one year, or both.

It is illegal to set fire to any forest, grass, range, crop or other wildlands or to build a campfire or bonfire or to burn trash or other materials that may cause a forest, grass, range, crop or other wildland fire.

Exceptions

Equipment related to road construction projects

Equipment uses propane or other controlled-type burners; however, it would be prudent to have a water pumper on standby when equipment is used near a grassy right of way.

Welding/cutting torch/grinding activities

Equipment conducted over a non-combustible surface at least 10 feet and when welding blankets or screens are used to cover flammable vegetation; and wind speeds must be less than 20 mph and a fire watch, other than the welder, is posted at the welding/cutting torch site with pressurized water or fire extinguisher.

Campfires and outdoor cooking

Outdoor campfires or bond fires are prohibited. LPG, pellet, natural gas and charcoal-fired cooking outside in a grilling receptacle are permitted provided that the activity is conducted over a non-flammable surface and at least five feet from flammable vegetation.