Burning ban effective in county

Due to the extremely dry conditions the Clay County Board of Commissioners has passed a resolution banning all open burning within the county effective immediately, Aug. 1 until further notice.

The commissioners would like to remind all residents about the pertinent laws regarding burning. South Dakota law provides that it is a Class 1 misdemeanor for a person to negligently allow a fire to spread. It is also a Class 1 misdemeanor to burn without giving due caution to the weather conditions.

In addition to criminal sanctions, a person who negligently causes a fire to be started or spread is liable for all fire suppression and extinguishment costs.