Douglas County implements annual burn ban from June 1 to October 1 to reduce wildfire risk

DOUGLAS COUNTY — The annual burn ban in Douglas County will take effect on June 1 and remain in place until October 1 due to the increased risk of wildfires, county officials announced Friday.

The seasonal restriction, outlined in Douglas County Code 8.12.010, applies to all unincorporated areas within the county. During this period, no person shall burn or cause to be burned any combustible material, including trash, leaves, straw, stubble, brush, logs, or stumps, without first obtaining a permit from the authorized fire district officer or the fire marshal for areas outside of fire protection districts.

Permit holders are required to have the fire under continuous care and direction of a competent person, who must take proper precautions to prevent the spread of the fire to adjacent property or materials and maintain full control over the fire. Burning must also conform to the International Fire Code Section 307.4.2.

Violators of the burn ban may be charged with a misdemeanor. The seasonal restriction aims to reduce the risk of wildfires during the dry summer months in Douglas County.