According to a press release from Dubuque County Emergency Management, an open burn ban is now in effect for Dubuque County. The decision comes after, what EMA Coordinator Thomas Berger calls, "a spike in field, grass, and brush fires over the past 10 days." In fact, many of these fires threatened structures and required multiple fire departments to bring them under control.

Credit: Canva
Credit: Canva
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So, what’s causing all these fires? The answer is simple: dry conditions and wind. Iowa has seen a lack of recent rainfall, which means fields, pastures, and wooded areas are packed with dry grass and leftover crop debris. This kind of vegetation is essentially fuel, and when it’s dry, the smallest spark can turn into a fast-moving fire with the aid of wind.

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Speaking of the wind. If you’ve lived in Iowa long enough, you know how quickly it can pick up, especially in open rural areas and across crop fields. That’s a big problem when it comes to fires. Even a well-contained burn can get out of control in seconds if a gust of wind carries embers into other nearby fields or a wooded area. Our strong winds can help fires spread incredibly fast, possibly jumping roads and threatening homes before firefighters can even arrive or access how to combat it.

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Credit: Canva
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That’s why Dubuque County officials asked the State Fire Marshal to step in and put a stop to open burning. Until further notice, all open burning is prohibited. That means no bonfires, no burning yard waste, and no field burns. However, there are a few exceptions: outdoor fireplaces, BBQ grills, and properly covered burn barrels or incinerators made of metal, concrete, or masonry are still allowed, as long as they have no openings larger than one square inch.

This isn’t just a recommendation—it’s the law. Violating the burn ban is considered a simple misdemeanor, but could grow to additional fines should a fire you caused get out of hand. Fire departments are already being stretched thin, recently responding to grass and field fires as well as several structure fires, many of these required multiple departments to get them under control. The goal of the burn ban is simple: prevent more fires while protecting lives, livelihood, and property.

Credit: Harley Michels Photo from a recent house fire in Dubuque at Edison Street in Dubuque’s North end on January 28th, 2025.
Credit: Harley Michels
Photo from a recent house fire in Dubuque at Edison Street in Dubuque’s North end on January 28th, 2025.
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Even after the ban is lifted, residents in Dubuque County are always required to notify the Dubuque County Emergency Communications Center at 563-583-1711 before doing any open burning. This rule is in place year-round and helps fire departments stay prepared in case a controlled burn doesn’t go as planned.

As for when the ban will end? That depends on the weather. The fire chiefs will notify the State Fire Marshal when they believe conditions have improved, and only then will the ban be lifted. Until that happens, it’s best to find alternative ways to get rid of yard waste and avoid any outdoor burning.

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Credit: Canva
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For more information, residents can contact the Dubuque County Emergency Management Agency or your local fire department. Until then, let’s do our best to keep any burning to none. A little caution now can prevent a big disaster later.

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