Although the National Weather Service climatological data indicates that Valentine is an inch-and-a-quarter over average for month-to-date precipitation so far in April, and almost 2 inches above average for the year-to-date average, much of the region still has a large amount of dry fuel in the grassy hills and valleys of the region. Several red flag warnings have been issued in the area due to gusty winds, low relative humidity readings and temperatures as high as the low 80’s in the area’s forecast. According to Cherry County Emergency Management Office, this has prompted are fire chiefs to retain the county-wide burn ban until conditions improve. This burn ban restricts any burns that would require a burn permit, but does not prohibit other burning including barrel burning with a spark arrestor.
If you have any questions, you are invited to contact Cherry County Emergency Management or your respective fire chief.