TRI-STATE (WFIE) -
Burn bans are now in effect for most of the counties in our viewing area. Union and Webster Counties were added on Monday and Vanderburgh County issued its ban last Wednesday.
It is clear we are in need of rain. Most people's lawns are so dry it looks more like hay. Officials say with these conditions it doesn't take much to spur a massive fire.
"It has been very dry lately and with the lack of rain that is a major concern for people in general. Especially the fire department because we don't want anybody to have any bad situations due to brush fires or fires that get out of control," said Dan Grimm, Evansville Fire Department District Chief and PIO.
This weekend fire departments in the tri-state were busy fighting wildfires on Friday, there was one that broke out in Pike County and on Sunday, a massive fire in Webster County, that continues to burn.
"We've been very fortunate so far within the city," Grimm said.
Vanderburgh County Dispatch says since the burn ban was issued they've had seven brush fires, although it's difficult to tell if those were caused by residents disobeying the burn ban.
"During the burn ban the only thing that is allowed is just cooking fires and grills," said Dona Bergman, the director of sustainability at Energy and Environmental Quality.
The Environmental Protection Agency called for the city wide burn ban last week, and those who ignore the burn ban can face a hefty fine.
"In the county, up to $500. In the city it could be as much as $7,500 per violation per day," Bergman said.
With the hot and dry conditions it doesn't take much to start a fire. Bergman says even a cigarette butt could ignite a massive fire.
"Throwing cigarettes out the window is littering, it's disrespectful, it's dirty, it's inconsiderate, and when you throw a lit cigarette butt out on a dry median in the middle of a severe drought, that's just incredibly stupid. We don't want them on our streets anymore then you want them in your car. So, dispose of your butts safely," Bergman said.
The EPA tells 14 News the ban will stay in place until we have a good down pour.
Copyright 2012 WFIE. All rights reserved.
