(A) During periods of dry weather when conditions for dangerous burning exist, a burning ban may be declared by the County Judge, under the provisions of A.C. §§ 12-75-101 et seq., as amended.
(B) Burning ban declarations issued by the County Judge and released to the public through regular news media press releases shall establish the periods of time during which burning in the unincorporated areas of the county is prohibited.
(C) The Arkansas Forestry Commission headquarters, as well as local county agencies and departments, shall be notified of the burning ban to provide for coordination of activities.
(D) Outdoor burning, during a county ban on burning, may be allowed under special circumstances when permitted by the County Fire Coordinator after inspection and assurances that all necessary and proper precautions shall be taken and enforced to insure that the permitted burning constitutes no hazard to life or property. Such permit shall be obtained from the County Fire Coordinator at the Office of Emergency Management before beginning any outdoor burning during a period of a county ban on burning.
(E) Failure to comply with a ban on burning and the permit requirements set forth in this section shall be a misdemeanor violation punishable by a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $300 or a jail sentence of not more than one year in the county jail, or both such fine and jail sentence.
(F) This section shall be enforced through the County Sheriff's Office, the Chief Fire Official of the various fire districts, and/or the County Fire Coordinator. However, citations and/or arrests may only be written or made by the County Sheriff's Office.
(Ord. 2000-8, passed 11-13-00) Penalty, see § 10.99