Allen County to lift burn ban at noon on Friday

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) Although the drought isn't over, the Allen County burn ban will be.  Allen County leaders announced that the burn ban will be lifted effective noon on Friday.

Officials stressed that conditions may have improved because of rain over the last few days, but there is still a drought and residents need to use extra care if and when they choose to burn.

"Our residents have been very cooperative since we first issued the burn ban on June 15," said Allen County Commissioner Nelson Peters. "Now that the ban is about to be lifted, we hope that they will continue to realize the danger that exists and will act responsibly."

Any municipal ordinances restricting burning or requiring the issuance of permits must still be met with the lifting of the burn ban. 

Open burning will be allowed in unincorporated area in Allen County. Within Fort Wayne City limits, open burning is always banned with the exception of recreational campfires for scouting or family cookout activities.

It's a decision that's being taken with caution for at least one Allen County farmer.  80-year-old Raymond Schaper of Woodburn was thankful for the burn ban.  He understands why it will be lifted, but thinks there's still a potential for brush fires.

"I think it's ok if the people use just common horse sense," Schaper said.  "That's the biggest thing they have got to do.  Just don't go hog wild and burn everything that's available to burn."

Noble, Wells, Dekalb and Steuben Counties also lifted burn bans earlier in the week.

Fire prevention and burning related Ordinances  

• Allen County;   Code Title 8: Public Safety: Article 20: Air Pollution Control Ordinance
• Fort Wayne; Chapter 94: Fire Prevention Code
• Huntertown; Chapter 94: Burning: Regulations; Open Burning
• New Haven; Chapter 13: Fire Prevention Code