In actions taken at their last two meetings, McCulloch County Commissioners first voted unanimously last week to order that all outdoor burning be prohibited in the unincorporated areas in the County for 30 days.
Then, at last Monday’s Commissioners meeting, they voted to prohibit the sale or use of aerial fireworks equipped with sticks or fins in the County’s unincorporated areas.
Commissioners indicated the actions were taken because of the on-going drought, lack of rain and dry conditions that created a safety hazard in the County that would be exacerbated by outdoor burning.
There are certain conditions under which burning is allowed, such as firefighter training, public utility operations and planting or harvesting agricultural crops.
Outdoor activities such as welding, burning trash and grilling are allowed with restrictions. For welding, advance notification of the Sheriff’s office is required. Also required is a spotter for each welder and a minimum of one water pressurized fire extinguisher.
For outdoor burning and grilling, the individual must remain with the fire until it is completely out; a water supply must be available, and the fire must be performed in an enclosed container.
