NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 2, 2012

SUBJECT: Fire Department issues ban on outdoor open burning and recreational fires

CONTACT: Lynn Onstot, Public Information Officer
417-624-0820, ext. 204

In accordance with Section 307 of the International Fire Code which was adopted by the City of Joplin via Section 58-51 of the Joplin Municipal code, Joplin Fire Chief Mitch Randles has issued a complete ban on all outdoor open burning and recreational fires within the City Limits of Joplin.
This ban does not include fully covered or enclosed grills, cookers or smokers. In addition, as Independence Day approaches this year, the Joplin Fire Department encourages citizens to keep safety in mind as they handle fireworks to avoid any problems.
This ban is being issued in the interest of Public Safety as a result a continuing pattern of hot, dry, and windy weather. The ban will be lifted once the weather pattern changes and the city has received a sufficient amount of rain fall to reverse current conditions.