Logan County’s Fiscal Court held a first reading of an ordinance implementing fines for those who violate the county burn ban.

It is the purpose of local government to provide for the conservation, preservation and enhancement of the natural resources of the county of Logan, and the Fiscal Court is granted the general authority to do so under KRS 67.083.

The county is granted the specific authority to enact an ordinance banning all open burning during periods of extraordinary forest fire hazard or fire occurrence. The county desires to promote the health, welfare and safety of the public and deems it to be in the best interest of its citizens to regulate intentional outdoor burning during a sever drought or other extreme conditions deemed to be a safety risk by the Department of Forestry.

Magistrates and the Judge/Executive voted unanimously on the first reading of the ordinance at Tuesday’s Fiscal Court meeting. The ordinance authorizes the county Judge/Executive to implement by executive order a ban of all open burning in the unincorporated areas of Logan County during periods of extraordinary forest fire hazard or fire occurrence upon notice by the Department of Forestry that a period of extraordinary forest fire hazard or fire occurrence exists. Any such executive order shall remain in effect until rescinded by the county Judge/Executive.

The county Judge/Executive shall be authorized to prohibit the use of fireworks as part of a ban when such prohibition is specifically included in the executive order.

Upon such time as the county is notified by the Department of Forestry that such hazardous conditions no longer exist, the county Judge/Executive shall rescind the executive order by notice giving adequate notice to the public.

Any person who fails to abide by a burn ban issued by the Judge/Executive shall be in violation of this ordinance and subject to the penalties.

Pursuant to KRS 149.990(2), violation of this ordinance shall be prosecuted in Logan District Court as a violation, punishable by a fine of no less than $50 and no more than $500.