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Burn ban in effect

Farmers asked to provide aid during harvest

A burn ban for Webster County began at 6 a.m. today and will remain in place until further notice, according to Webster County Emergency Management Coordinator Dylan Hagen.

According to Hagen, the burn ban is due to current and forecasted dry and windy conditions. Residents wishing to burn can obtain permits by contacting their local fire chief. However, the City of Fort Dodge’s ongoing burn ban remains in place.

The dry conditions are also problematic as farmers are in the fields for harvest season, heightening risks of field fires. Hagen and local fire chiefs are asking farmers to keep a disc ripper hooked up and ready in case of a field fire.

“We have seen in the past how quickly fires can spread during harvest and in these dry conditions,” said Hagen. “One of the fastest ways to get them under control is to create a fire break and disc around the fire.”

Hagen has also asked that farmers with equipment who are willing to help in the event of a field fire in their area contact him so he can reach out if assistance is needed.

“The faster we can get that equipment enroute, the faster we can get the fire under control and minimize the damages or losses to crops and property,” said Hagen.

Farmers willing to help can contact Hagen at 515-573-1403 or by email at Dylan.Hagen@WebsterCountyIA.gov.

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