The Mercer County Burn Ban has been lifted!
Your Emergency Responders are asking that all controlled burns be reported to the Sheriff’s Office at 745-3333 before you start the fire and then again when the fire has been extinguished.
Remember to always burn with care and never leave a fire of any kind unattended.
As of May 15th, Mercer County, which includes all Cities within the County, is now under a Stage I Burn Ban until further notice.
This means:
No controlled burns, no large pit fires and no burning garbage of any kind.
No throwing cigarette butts or anything out in a grassy area or any area that may start to burn.
No Special burning permission will be given for any reason.
But,
You can have a Campfire in a developed recreational site or improved site, while always keeping an eye on it.
You can use grills (including charcoal grills) and units that have an on/off switch in an area that you can safely operate without starting a fire.
Remember even though you are allowed some options here to burn this does not absolve an individual or organization from liability or responsibility for any fire started by the allowed activity.
And Remember…
ANY INDIVIDUAL WHO WILLFULLY VIOLATES THIS BURN BAN IS GUILTY OF A CLASS B MISDEMEANOR (NDCC 37-17.1-10.1) PUNISHABLE BY A FINE OF UP TO $1000.00AND 30 DAYS IN JAIL. THE MERCER COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT IS AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE CITATIONS TO VIOLATORS.
As of Monday, May 13th, Mercer County is under a Stage II Burn Ban, No Burning and No Exceptions though Tuesday due to high winds expected. After Wednesday, depending on the weather and factors this may change. Please be careful and keep updated to your local weather http://www.crh.noaa.gov/bis/ for weather updates and this website for changes in the Burn Ban.
The National Weather Service is reporting that the Mercer County Area can expect 6+ inches of Snow/Wintery Mix, and a North Wind of 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph, starting Saturday evening and into Sunday Morning. If we just get snow we can expect snow packed roads with reduced visibility and if we get the wintery mix we can expect ice covered roads. Please use caution if you are going to be traveling during this timeframe and watch for Weather updates at http://www.crh.noaa.gov/bis/ .
The Bismarck Weather Service is forecasting a wintery mix of rain and freezing rain Sunday & Sunday Evening, then turning to snow overnight and into Monday, with 6+ inches of snow possible for our area. Travel Safety is the concern. Please remember that this winter storm could change fast so keep up-to-date on the weather at www.weather.gov/bis .
