Hamilton County communities ban burning

NOBLESVILLE, Ind. (WISH) - Communities in Hamilton County have enacted burn bans, despite officials not issuing one countywide.

Fishers, Noblesville and Westfield on Tuesday all announced a ban on burning in their communities.

Drought conditions in Indiana have forced dozens of counties throughout the state to ban burning .

Fire officials in Fishers said a dramatic increase in grass, bush and mulch fires prompted the ban. In 2011, Fishers Fire Department responded to 34 reports of such fires. In June alone, more than 50 of them were reported.

Westfield’s order bans open burning, comfort fires and agricultural burning until weather conditions change.

Noblesville told residents that bonfires, fire pits and chimineas are banned. While grilling is allowed, officials said residents must allow charcoal to cool in the grill, douse it with water and responsibly dispose of it.