02/15/2026
UNION COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA
OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
BURN BAN NOTICE
Issued: February 14, 2026
Effective: Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. CST, and continuing until further notice or until lifted by official announcement.
REASON FOR BAN: Due to very high fire danger conditions across Union County — including dry vegetation, low relative humidity, strong winds, and elevated grassland fire risk as indicated by National Weather Service forecasts — the Union County Office of Emergency Management is implementing this county-wide burn ban to protect public safety, property, and natural resources from the threat of uncontrolled wildfires.
Under authority granted by Union County Ordinance 2003-02 (as amended, including amendments adopted April 15, 2025), and related provisions allowing declaration of fire danger emergencies, open burning is restricted or prohibited when conditions warrant. Additional supporting authority is found in SDCL 7-8-20 (county powers to preserve order, health, and safety) and SDCL 34A-1-18 (local air pollution control and fire prevention measures).
THIS NOTICE IMPOSES A COUNTY-WIDE BURN BAN in all unincorporated areas of Union County, South Dakota.
PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:
All open burning of grass, brush, leaves, crop residue, trash, debris, or any other combustible materials.
Use of burn barrels, incinerators, or similar outdoor burning devices.
Recreational fires, bonfires, campfires, or any other outdoor fires (except as specifically exempted below).
LIMITED EXEMPTIONS (subject to strict compliance and local verification):
Small, attended fires used solely for cooking food in approved, contained devices such as charcoal grills, gas grills, or designated fire pits (must be fully extinguished after use and monitored at all times).
Fires entirely within enclosed structures (e.g., indoor fireplaces with proper venting).
ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS: All residents and landowners are strongly urged to avoid any activities that could produce sparks or ignition sources, including equipment operation, vehicle use on dry grass, welding, fireworks, discarded smoking materials, or power line contact.
This burn ban remains in effect until the Union County Office of Emergency Management issues an official notice lifting or modifying the restriction, based on improved fire conditions as determined by weather forecasts and local assessments.
VIOLATIONS may result in citations, fines (up to $500 per violation as referenced in similar Union County resolutions and ordinances), and/or other penalties under South Dakota law and county authority. Unauthorized burning should be reported immediately.
For questions, or to report violations, contact:
Union County Emergency Management
Jason Westcott, Emergency Management Director
Phone: 605-670-1548
Union County Sheriff's Office
Phone: 605-356-2679
Fire Emergency: 911
Prevent wildfires – your actions matter. Stay informed via Union County Emergency Management alerts, Hyper-Reach notifications, and the official Union County website www.unioncountysd.gov
Issued by:
Union County Office of Emergency Management
