MONROE — Outdoor burning is banned in Green County, effective April 6 until further notice, to protect firefighter health and safety and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The Green County Sheriff's Office announced the ban at the recommendation of the Green County Fire Officer's Association.
The ban includes all outdoor burning in barrels, piles on the ground and of grass or wooded areas. Fire pits, grills and fireplaces are exempt from the ban.
The ban is intended to eliminate ignition sources and reduce the number of fire calls during the spread of the new coronavirus.
"The more we can limit calls during this event, the more we can prevent firefighters getting COVID-19," said Monroe Fire Chief Dan Smits. The Monroe Fire Department has also suspended training. "The less interaction we have the better."
The Green County Sheriff's Office announced the ban at the recommendation of the Green County Fire Officer's Association.
The ban includes all outdoor burning in barrels, piles on the ground and of grass or wooded areas. Fire pits, grills and fireplaces are exempt from the ban.
The ban is intended to eliminate ignition sources and reduce the number of fire calls during the spread of the new coronavirus.
"The more we can limit calls during this event, the more we can prevent firefighters getting COVID-19," said Monroe Fire Chief Dan Smits. The Monroe Fire Department has also suspended training. "The less interaction we have the better."
The ban was prompted in part by a rash of out-of-control fires reported over the weekend in Green County that started with outdoor burning, he said.
