The Hartley Sentinel-The Everly/Royal News - Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties

Dry summer weather has kept an open burning ban in place in Clay County for three weeks.

The prohibitive order was issued Aug. 20. Clay County joins 10 other Iowa counties in banning open burning due to dry conditions.

According to the order, "open burning constitutes a danger to life or property" during periods of extended dryness. The prohibition may only be rescinded after local officials notify the state fire marshal that conditions have eased.

Those who violate the ban will be subjected to a simple misdemeanor charge. The order does not prohibit a supervised, controlled burn that has been...