ABERDEEN, S.D.(Press Release)- Effective immediately the Brown County Commission has enacted a resolution on an emergency basis and imposes a ban to prohibit or restrict open burning with the political boundaries of Brown County. This said ban is for all open burning with the exceptions of campfires in campfire rings or pits, burning barrels 55 gallonsor less that are equipped with a screen, or barbeque grills, in order to protect the public health and safetyThis was put in place under Brown County Ordinance 18.02 and shall be in place further notice.

Anyone in violation of this fire emergency is subject to criminal and civil penalties per 18.0703.

All of the Brown County Fire Safety Ordinances can be found on the Brown County Webpage.

Questions can be directed to the Brown County Emergency Management Office at 605-626-7122 or emailed to: EmergencyManagement@browncounty.sd.gov.

Brookings County also passed a burn ban today.