Richmond County has enacted a countywide burn ban that took effect at 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 30, in response to increasingly dangerous fire conditions.

Chief of Emergency Services Mitch Paulette said the local ban was necessary because the state‑wide burning restriction expired on April 30, yet the fire danger has not eased. NOAA currently lists Richmond County in a D2 “extreme drought” zone, a designation that reflects severe moisture deficits and heightened wildfire risk.

Weeks of minimal rainfall, steady winds, and widespread dry vegeta‑tion have created conditions primed for fast‑moving fires. Richmond County’s large areas of forest and farmland are especially vulnerable, with parched grasses and cut agri‑cultural fields adding to the available fuel. With no significant rain in the forecast, Richmond County EMS says there is significant wildfire dan‑ger. What the ban covers The emergency order prohibits all forms of outdoor burning, including:

• Yard debris such as leaves, brush, limbs, and stumps

• Trash or material piles

• Campfires or recreational fires The only exception is for grills or stoves used for cooking, provided the fire is fully contained within a metal or masonry unit.

Residents are also urged to use caution with smoking materials and ensure they are completely extin‑guished before disposal. Even a small ember, can ignite dry grass and spread rapidly under current conditions, EMS warns.

Violations are a criminal offense Violating the burn ban is a crim‑inal offense that could lead to being charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor, which carries the possibility of fines and jail time.

Report fires immediately

Residents who see smoke, flames, or signs of a brush or woods fire are urged to call 911 immediately. Early reporting is considered critical given conditions that allow fires to spread quickly.

The emergency ordinance will remain in effect until further notice and could last for up to 60 days unless officials determine the wild‑fire threat has diminished sooner.