Extreme Grassland Fire Danger risk triggers open burn ban in Hughes and Stanley counties

Wind gusts up to 40mph and very dry conditions have combined to put most of South Dakota in the very high or extreme risk categories for grassland fire today (Oct. 14).

The Grassland Fire Danger map shows the north central and northeastern parts of the state have a very high risk for grass fires while the majority of the rest of South Dakota has an extreme risk.

Being in the extreme risk category automatically triggers a ban on open burning in both Stanley and Hughes counties. The burn ban ordinance– implemented in 2016– prohibits burning whenever the National Weather Service has declared the Grassland Fire Danger Index to be in the VERY HIGH or EXTREME category or has issued a RED FLAG WARNING for any portion of Hughes or Stanley County. The open burn ban is automatically suspended when the state Grassland Fire Danger Index is in the HIGH, MODERATE OR LOW categories or the RED FLAG WARNING has been canceled.