Drought prompts Preble County fire chiefs to announce ban on open burning

A ban on open burning in Preble County until further notice was announced Wednesday night by the Preble County Chiefs’ Association.

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As reported Wednesday on News Center 7 at 11, Preble County issued a burning ban due to drought conditions.

“Preble County is currently experiencing a drought, and the risk of fire is great,” Dale Baker, West Manchester Fire chief and association president, said. “No open burning will be permitted in Preble County until further notice.”

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He stated that fire chiefs from the following 11 departments in the county agreed to the statement:

Camden-Somers Twp., Eaton, College Corner, Eldorado, Gasper Twp., Lewisburg, Northwest, Shawnee District, Verona, West Alexandria, and West Manchester.

Preble County joins Randolph and Union counties in Indiana already on county-wide burn bans until further notice, Storm Center 7 Weather Specialist Nick Dunn reports.

More than half of Indiana’s 92 counties are on a burn ban, while 29 of Ohio’s 88 counties are now on a burn ban.

Dunn said the area may see additional counties in Ohio added depending on what the drought monitor shows on Thursday.

>>RELATED: Drought means no bonfire as part of area high school’s homecoming parade festivities

The drought has also forced some school districts to change their homecoming plans.

As reported Wednesday on News Center 7 at 11, Oakwood High School canceled its bonfire Wednesday night.

Instead of fire Wednesday night, families and students were treated to routines from the school’s cheer squad, music from the school’s band and speeches from football team members in anticipation of Friday’s big game against Waynesville.

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