Drought 2012: Story County Burn Ban in Effect Friday the 13th

All of Story County has been placed under a burn ban effective 8 a.m. Friday the 13^th.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Story County is moderate on the drought scale. And the entire state is at least abnormally dry, according to a blog on the Des Moines Register.

The National Weather Service calls for a 20 percent chance of rain Thursday and a 50 percent chance of rain on Friday the 13^th.

However it is expected to amount to less than a tenth of an inch.

In a press release from Melissa Spencer, Story County Emergency Management Deputy Coordinator, who requested the ban she stated the rain will not be enough:

Due to dangerously dry conditions, the forecasted rain this week may not be enough to decrease the risk of fire. Due to this combination of conditions it is likely this will be a long term burn ban.

 Further information can be found at: http://www.dps.state.ia.us/fm/main/burnbans/index.shtml or at www.storycountyiowa.gov/ema

The City of Ames already has a permanent ban on many types of open burning already. The city added this additional information to the ban:

The City of Ames has a permanent ban on many types of open burning.  The Story County open burning ban issued by the State Fire Marshall increases the City of Ames Municipal Code’s bans on certain types of open burning.  Until further notice, the only authorized outdoor burning is for the preparation of food such as grilling and barbecues.  Due to the extremely dry conditions, residents are urged to be cautious while grilling and barbecuing. 

For a complete version of the Ames Fire Code go tohttp://www.cityofames.org/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=277