State Fire Marshal Warns of Extreme Dry Conditions

The State Fire Marshal is warning Iowans that the heat wave experienced the past two weeks is creating “tinder box” conditions throughout the state and nearly one-third of the state remains under a burn ban. 

State Fire Marshal Ray Reynolds says, “We expect some burn bans during the spring and fall of every year.  It is significant when one-third of the state is in a burn ban in July. I can’t recall a time since the 1980’s when we have seen this level of extreme dryness.  Our state can ill-afford a major fire disaster that could have been prevented with a little help from the public.” 

Polk County is not currently under a burn ban, said Urbandale Fire Chief Jerry Holt. And even if it were, it wouldn't make a difference in Urbandale bacause the city bans open burning 365 days a year.

However, Holt and the fire marshall encouraged Iowans to use extreme caution when their activities involve fire.  

Precautions Everyone Can Take

To assure the safety of all Iowans, the State Fire Marshal asks Iowans to avoid these common risky fire behaviors responsible for causing many of Iowa’s fires:

• Do not litter and throw lit cigarettes from moving vehicles as grass fires ignite easily in dry conditions.
• Holt cautioned Urbandale resident not to flick cigarettes in the own yards or into flower containers.  He said the responded to a fire in a flower pot started by a cigarette. Put butts in a metal container filled with sand or water, he said.
• Avoid the use of sky lanterns and other fireworks celebration items involving sparks or flames.  
• Burning of yard waste or piled tree debris is responsible for causing a majority of wild land fires for Iowa fire departments. It is illegal in Urbandale.

The only fires allowed during a burn ban are those controlled burns for which a fire chief has issued a permit and proper supervision is planned.  Small recreational camp fires are permitted if conducted in a fire place of adequate construction like bricks, metal, or screen mesh.  Any campfire not in an outdoor fire place is prohibited. 

Holt said residents can have cookouts on grills at home or in city parks, but said they should be sure to make sure coals are doused with water before they leave.