Emergency managers in McLean County have updated last week’s county-wide ban on open burning with some restrictions being lifted and others receiving an extension, according to a news release from the McLean County Emergency Management Agency [EMA].
The previous ban announced on Sept. 18 forbid every municipality in the county from recreational burning, but recreational fires will now be allowed in Bloomington, Normal, at Comlara Park and in the Mount Hope-Funks Grove Fire Protection District.
EMA officials cited recent rain as having improved conditions.
Bloomington and Normal have both returned to their former policies concerning recreational fires. Bloomington elaborated on the city policy in a Facebook post, emphasizing safety practices. The city said fires considered recreational should always be in approved containers, follow size limits, use only permitted materials, under appropriate wind conditions and be constantly supervised.
Both Bloomington and Normal continue to have a permanent ban on burning yard, agricultural or residential waste.
All other areas of the county will continue operating under the burn ban until Friday, Oct. 3. The open burn ban includes residential and agriculture burning and the burning of yard waste. The ban does not include the use of gas or charcoal grills.
EMA officials said other parts of the county remain under highly dangerous conditions that risk the rapid spread of fires, adding farm fields and vegetation are exceptionally dry after dry weather and low humidity.
Most of McLean County, and much of Central and southern Illinois, remain in a moderate to severe drought.
The county also emphasizes safety practices under areas where the ban is lifted. Proper precautions include keeping a burning area clean and free of debris, not burning near ignition sources such as buildings or vehicles, and always having a fire extinguisher nearby.
If a burn becomes unmanageable, the EMA recommends calling 911 immediately.
