STURGIS, S.D. – The Meade County Commission has strengthened its burn ban that has been in effect since March when it met for the third time this week on Thursday.
The commission approved the outlawing of vendor permits being issued to businesses intending to sell fireworks.
Meade County Commissioner Doreen Creed says most of western South Dakota has been in the red flag fire danger zone for weeks due to sparce moisture and record-breaking heat.
She says with this area now hosting the 86th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of bikers, commissioners felt it was wise to add some strength to the ordinance.
Added to the list of additional activities beyond open fires that are prohibited include:
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire.
- Using a burn barrel as defined in Meade County Ordinance #27.
- Using any grill or other device for cooking outdoors unless otherwise permitted by the landowner.
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, unless otherwise permitted by the landowner.
These new restrictions are effective immediately and will remain in place until the local fire district chief/board lifts the ban for any particular activity.
