BURNING:

BOWMAN COUNTY BURN BAN
RESOLUTION
October 15, 2024

WHEREAS, the Bowman County Board of Commissioners recognized that abnormally dry or drought conditions combined with high winds have seen increased fire responses within Bowman County; and

WHEREAS, the impact of fires threatens the health, well-being and safety of citizens in Bowman County; and

WHEREAS, the cost of response and the inordinate equipment wear may be far in excess of available county resources; and

WHEREAS, the Daily Fire Danger Index does not realistically reflect the propensity for wildland fires; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Bowman County Board of Commissioners declares a total burn ban on open burning in Bowman County, (regardless of fire danger categories assigned per the North Dakota Fire Danger Rating Map) effective immediately until further notice.  Responsible use of enclosed gas grills may be used at a safe distance from combustible materials.
This ban will be reviewed periodically as conditions improve.

THE PENALTY FOR VIOLATION OF THIS BURN BAN IS A CLASS B MISDEMEANOR (NDCC 37-17.0-10.1: MAXIMUM SENTENCE OF 30 DAYS IN JAIL AND $1500 FINE AND RESTITUTION OF FIRE SUPRESSION COSTS MAY BE SOUGHT FROM THE COURT).

What is banned?

*   Garbage burning, campfires, burning of farm or cropland, unnecessary off-road motorized travel, ignition of fireworks and smoking in undesignated areas.
*   No travel is to be allowed off of surfaced roadways normally used for vehicle traffic except as necessary for normal farmer/rancher or industry operations.  Industrial operating crews and farmer/rancher operations shall have fire extinguishers and normal fire-fighting equipment at hand, and industrial personnel shall remain at the job site one-half hour after daily operations are completed.