Disaster Emergency

STATE OF DISASTER EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION BARBER COUNTY, KANSAS NATURE OF THE IMMINENT THREAT OF DISASTER

The grassland and crop-land of Kansas form an important part of our economy, and provide for protection of watersheds, forage for livestock, refuge for wildlife, and recreational opportunities. Wildfires endanger these resources, real and personal property, and the lives of residents and visitors in these areas. Extremely dry, hot and windy weather conditions with temperatures above normal have created an extreme fire hazard in the grassland and crop-land of Kansas. Fires have been reported throughout the county and have caused substantial damage. Once started, these fires are difficult to control and strain both paid and volunteer fire department manpower and resources. The fire danger is "extreme" in this county. The dry conditions, above normal temperatures and fire danger will continue unabated until sufficient rainfall occurs across the area.

DUE TO THE ABOVE AND FOREGOING:

It is hereby proclaimed, directed and ordered by the Board of County Commissioners of Barber County, Kansas, that the following acts are prohibited within the boundaries of the County and by all citizens and visitors:

  1. Careless use of smoking materials, including cigarettes, cigars and smoking pipes. Discard shall be in a manner to preclude threat from smoldering remains.
  2. Building, maintaining, attending or using any open fire or camp fire except in permanent stoves or fireplaces or barbecue grills in developed recreational sites or residential lawns.
  3. Prescribed burning of all fence rows, fields, wild lands, ravines, trash, and debris. Prescribed burning may be exempted from this order where such burning is necessary for crop survival and has been specifically approved in writing by the Fire Chief (or other appropriate officer) of this County. Crop survival is defined as stubble burning in preparation for second crop planting.

The knowing and willful violation of this order shall constitute a Class A Misdemeanor and any person convicted of such violation shall be punished as provided bylaw. (K.S.A. 48-939)

This Proclamation shall be in full force and effect for a period of seven (7) days, unless terminated sooner according to law; and may be extended by the action of the Board of County Commissioners for additional seven (7) day periods according to law.

Effective when knowledge is known of resolution if prior to publication, and on publication in the official county paper, The Kiowa News.

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Acting Chairman

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Robert K. Shklar

Witness my hand and seal this ____ day of September, 2000.

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Linda S. McGuire, County Clerk