On Monday, September 24, Ripley County Commissioners issued a county-wide burn ban due to the current drought conditions.

Activities such as campfires and other recreational fires will not be allowed. Open burning of any kind using conventional fuel such as wood, or other combustible matter, with the exception of grills fueled by charcoal briquettes or propane, will not be allowed. Residents will not be allowed to burn debris, such as timber or vegetation, including debris that results from building construction activities, or use burn barrels for any open burning at residential structures.

In a declaration signed by all three commissioners, Robert Reiners, Chuck Folz, and Lawrence Nickell, it states, "All residents are called upon and directed to comply with necessary emergency measures, to cooperate with public officials and disaster services forces in executing emergency operations plans, and to obey and comply with the lawful directions of properly identified officers."
In other words, all citizens are asked to comply with the no burn issue and if they don't, law enforcement will take other measures.

The drought has caused many lawns, fields, and other vegetation to be extremely dry and if a tiny spark ignites, it could be disastrous for resident's homes, property, even lives.
The burn ban is in effect until further notice.