Statewide burn ban expires at 2 p.m. Monday

Published 12:00 am Monday, July 20, 2009

State Fire Marshal Butch Browning lifted the statewide burn ban, effective at 2 p.m. Monday, according to a news release.

However, Browning advises that residents should check with parish officials prior to burning.

Local governments are cautioned and encouraged to continue monitoring private burning within their respective jurisdictions and take action to eliminate dangers.

The following conditions apply, according to the release:

• Prevailing winds at the time of the burning must be away from any city or town, the ambient air of which may be affected by smoke from the burning;

• The location of the burning must be at least 1,000 feet (305 meters) from any dwelling other than a dwelling or structure located on the property on which the burning is conducted;

• Care must be used to minimize the amount of dirt on the material being burned;

• Heavy oils, asphalt materials, items containing natural or synthetic rubber, or any materials other than plant growth which produce unreasonable amounts of smoke may not be burned; nor may these substances be used to start a fire; and,

• The burning may be conducted only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Piles of combustible material should be of such size to allow complete reduction in this time interval.

Finally, any burning must be controlled so that traffic hazards are minimized.