HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County Commissioner Ron Hirst asked Emergency Management Director Adam Weishaar to reconsider the burn ban that is in place. Hirst, who represents much of the rural area of the county, noted that Weishaar should have consulted with others before issuing a countywide order.
“To me, I believe that maybe you call all of the different fire chiefs to get their input before you make a unilateral decision to burn ban,” Hirst said. “That way you got grassroots input on this.”
Several farmers were a part of the online meeting as well and asked for some opportunity to burn off pasture land before the end of the month. Hirst asked if burning could be considered on a case-by-case basis. Weishaar said that wouldn’t be an option.
“Once we open it up and start looking at it on a case-by-case basis, we’re not truly in a burn ban anymore,” Weishaar said. “It’s just going to turn into a free-for-all.”
Weishaar stressed that the ban isn’t to punish people, it’s just necessary right now. Weishaar noted that a fire last week burned 810 acres, involved more than 50 firefighters and used up protective gear. Hirst continued his push for individual consideration saying that many farmers can handle the burns safely.
“I believe a case-by-case basis can give the opportunity for people to fully explain and get approval by having the personnel, the equipment and the quality of knowing what the wind direction and speed are going to be,” Hirst noted.
In the end, commissioners Ron Sellers and Bob Bush both stated that they feel the pain farmers are going through with the burn ban, but Bush said he sides with Weishaar’s decision.
“There’s a lot of gray in this, I’m just not willing to go against staff recommendation at this time,” Bush said. “I know it has a negative impact . . . there’s still two votes to keep the burn ban in place and to do everything we can to protect our first responders.”
The current ban will be addressed again next week, but is currently in place until April 28.