Local fire department relies on people to help enforce burn ban

HUNTERTOWN, Ind. (WANE) - Enforcing a burn ban, according to Robert Boren, Public Information Officer for the Huntertown-Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department, requires help from the public. He said even with the burn ban in place, people are still burning.

List of Burn Bans and restrictions throughout Indiana

"A couple days ago we reported on playing with fireworks in the backyard because a neighbor saw that, which in turn, turned out to be an actual call because the backyard did start on fire," he said.

There's a sign off Lima Road in Huntertown right in front of the fire department explaining a burn ban is in place. The sign also reads "No open burning or fireworks". Boren mentioned under the Huntertown ordinance, if there's a burn ban, there are no fireworks until the ban is lifted.

Tyler Busick lives in Huntertown and said he knows people who are still going to use fireworks whether or not the ban is in place or not.

"I still expect people to get fireworks, but I mean, it's probably not worth the risk though."

Boren said when it comes to enforcing it, they reply on the public to call in if they witness someone burning. He said no matter if a burn ban is enacted, people aren't complying.

"Unfortunately, no matter what, and no matter what laws are passed or things like that, people are going to do what they want to do."

In Huntertown, you will get a warning on your first offense. You're second offense is $50.

The fines could vary from county to county. If you want to find out what your county's burn ban entails, he says you should call your local fire department.