The Nowata County Commission votes to extend the county-wide burn ban for an additional two weeks.

 

During Monday's, commissioners voted unanimously to extend the ban until september 14 due to the lack of rain and consistent trend of hot temperatures. Nowata Assistant Fire Chief Brian Hewitt says he would prefer a 30-ban.

 

Commissioners will revisit the matter at next week's meeting to consider amending the ban to 30 days. The ban can be lifted at any time throughout its course if significant rain affects the county.

 

The current burn ban does allow exceptions for outdoor grilling, as well as grinding, gas torch work and welding. Welding, gas torch work and grinding must be done under the supervision of a dedicated fire watch person.

 

The Nowata Fire Department's burn ban at the city level is still in effect as well.