County's No-Burn Order Remains in Effect

A no-burn order remains in effect for Warren County.

County commissioners issued the order last Thursday, June 28, and it remains in effect this week as the area continues to experience scorching heat and extremely dry conditions. The order prohibits county residents from open burning of any kind.

The no-burn order will remain in effect until further notice, according to county officials. It was requested by fire chiefs from Warrenton, Wright City and Marthasville.

“We don’t want to end up in a situation like other states and agencies are experiencing right now,” Warrenton Fire Chief Mike Owenby said.

Temperatures have been at or above record highs each day the past week and are expected to continue topping the century mark this Friday and Saturday. The county experienced some relief Monday afternoon when thunderstorms rolled through the area.

As of Monday, only one heat-related case had been reported in the county.

That occurred Saturday afternoon when Marthasville ambulance personnel transported a person for heat exhaustion from the mud bog event held at the community club.

Meanwhile, Warren County Ambulance District Administrator Ralph Hellebusch said his crews have yet to respond to any heat-related calls. He was pleased no heat-related problems were reported at Sunday’s Warren County Fair parade. Local first responder agencies had increased the number of personnel at the event due to the heat.

Hellebusch reminded residents to stay hydrated, especially those working outside, and to refrain from bringing small infants to outside events such as the Fair.

Presiding Commissioner Arden Engelage said the no-burn order will be lifted once “we get enough rain to get us out of this drought.“Everybody needs to be very careful,” he commented.