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City lifts burn ban

Although the area is still experiencing some drought conditions, the recent rainfall and forecasted rain has allowed the city of Vandalia to lift the burn ban that it imposed on June 28.

Mayor Gottman states, "Due to the recent cooler weather and rainfall we have received and in speaking with Fire Chief Ed Taylor, we believe it is safe to lift the burn ban. We still urge citizens to be careful when burning. and remind them of the criteria allowed by city ordinance for burning."

The criteria for burning reads as follows:

9.12.060 BURNING WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS

A. No person shall, within the City Limits, burn any material in open air or inside a stove or other enclosed apparatus kept outside a building and designed to contain burning material.

1. Exceptions include:

a. Leaves, Tree Trimmings, Branches, Stumps, Brush, Weeds, Grass and Yard Trimmings.

b. Apparatuses designed to burn wood, corn or pellets to heat a home. c. Open fire pits measuring no more than four (4) feet wide from any angle and burning only wood.

B. Burning shall not be done:

1. On streets, alleys or public right-of-ways

2. When weather conditions, such as wind, may cause burning embers to be carried off the premises.

3. When smoke generated by the fire creates a visibility hazard on a street or alley.

C. Any fire permitted by this ordinance, other than burning done in an apparatus designed to heat a home shall be attended at all times when burning or smoldering by a person 18 years of age or older.

D. Fires permitted by this ordinance will be allowed daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. At 5 p.m., all fires must be extinguished and are not allowed to smolder/smoke. Exceptions to the time limit include apparatuses used to heat a home and open fire pits.

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