Burn ban now in place in Codington County (Audio)

April 6, 2021
Mike Tanner

WATERTOWN, S.D.–Codington County Commissioners put in place a ban on all open burning today.

The ban is in effect for one week, and will be reevaluated next Tuesday. 

The region has been extremely dry this spring, and grass fires and wildfires have been reported in all corners of South Dakota over the past week.

Codington County Emergency Manager Jamie Torstenson says this burn ban includes ALL open burning, even in a burn barrel that has a screen over it. He says the risk is just too great….

Torstenson says violating the ban is punishable with a $200 fine. A second offense can lead to a $500 fine and up to 30 days in jail.  

Last night, Watertown Fire Rescue was called out to help the South Shore Fire Department put out a large grass fire.

It was started by someone doing a controlled burn, but the flames were whipped by high winds and it got out of control.

Fortunately, no buildings or livestock were lost.