Open Burning
What is Open Burning?
Open burning is the intentional burning of any substance, natural or manmade, and the intentional casting of any burning substance, whether natural or manmade. The use of fireworks is deemed to be open burning. The escape of any burning substance or of any sparks, flames, or hot ashes from any fire container is deemed open burning and constitutes a presumption that the container was insufficient to meet the exception from the definition of open burning.
When is Burning ok?
No person shall conduct open burning outside of a municipality in McCook County while the National Weather Service has declared the South Dakota Grassland Fire Danger Index to be in the “Very High” or “Extreme” category or has issued a “Red Flag Warning” for any portion of McCook County.
Exceptions: It is not considered “Open Burning” if:
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A fire is maintained in any interior fireplace, stove, or furnace.
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Burning materials are kept in a container sufficient to prohibit the escape of burning substance, or any sparks, flames or hot ashes therefrom:
Does McCook County Have a Burn Ban / Ordinance?
YES!
McCook County has an auto-enforced ordinance based on the National Weather Service's Grassland Fire Danger Index.
Simplified -
Very High / Extreme or Red Flag Warning - BAN IS IN PLACE
No Red Flag, High or Below - No Ban is in Place
Although it is discouraged to burn even during a high Index.
I need to burn, what should I consider?
The first step is to check the National Weather Service Grassland Fire Danger Index Map.
Step 2: Notify Either
Mitchell Regional 911 center (911 dispatch) Non-Emergency Line at (605)-995-8400
Or
McCook County Office of Emergency Management (605-)425-2085 or (605)-421-8392
They will ask for location information, such as a rural address, the type of burn, or what is being burned, as well as a call-back number and the name of the person requesting the burn.
This is to ensure that passersby or the general public do not call 911 or request the fire department for a known controlled burn.
If the burn becomes uncontrollable, please call 911 immediately.
What are the Penalties?
PENALTY:
Penalty for each violation of this ordinance shall be that as specified under McCook County Ordinance or any amendment thereto. This constitutes what is commonly considered to be a Class 2 misdemeanor under South Dakota law, with a fine of up to $500 or 30 days in jail, or punishable by both such fine and imprisonment, and that the costs for suppressing any fire, including response fees, mutual aid assistance from other agencies or fire departments, reimbursement to governments for suppression efforts and compensation to the firefighters for time from their employment, be borne by the individual or individuals responsible for setting the fire.