The Jerauld County Commission enacted a countywide burn ban March 25 following an emergency meeting prompted by rapidly drying conditions and increased fire danger.
Commissioners convened a special meeting at 6:15 p.m., discussing Emergency Manager and Wessington Springs Fire Chief Eric Schroeder’s report about heightened concerns and recommended action. Schroeder had also consulted with Alpena Fire Chief Ryder Schweitzer, and both agreed conditions warranted reinstating the county’s burning ordinance.
During the brief meeting, commissioners voted unanimously to rescind Resolution No. 2025-20, which had temporarily suspended enforcement of the county’s burn restrictions, effectively reenacting the burning ordinance until further notice.
Just minutes after notifying the True Dakotan of the decision, an emergency fire call was dispatched, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
The ban prohibits open burning, including campfires, warming fires, fireworks, and the burning of fields, fence rows, trash and debris. Exceptions include liquid or gas-fueled stoves, indoor fireplaces, charcoal grills at private residences, and designated fire pits or grates in supervised campgrounds.
Schroeder reminds residents to use caution with outdoor activities and to call 911 in case of emergency. The burn ban will remain in effect until conditions improve and officials determine it can be safely lifted.