County re-implements Stage I fire restrictions

Carter County is again moving into Stage I fire restrictions, beginning at midnight on Friday, June 25, 2021.

The announcement comes after continued high temperatures and drought conditions have plagued the area. Last week, the Eagle reported that record high temperatures were reached on six of the first 15 days in June. In addition to high temps, Ekalaka has received only 0.12 inches of rain in June, according to the National Weather Service. Average all-time precipitation for the entire month of June in Ekalaka is 3.14 inches. The lowest total ever recorded for the month was 0.49 inches in 1949. For the year, Ekalaka is 2.14 inches below the norm.

Several fires around the state have broke out within the last few weeks, and fire danger continues to worsen.

Under the restrictions in Carter County the following is prohibited:

Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire.

Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

The use of any fireworks requiring an open flame to ignite, or that emit a spark.

Any other activity that poses a significant risk of starting a fire.

There are some exemptions to the above restrictions. The entire resolution from the county can be found on page 4 of this issue.