Rochester Fire Department, Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office Cancels Local Burning Ban (Update)

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Rochester Fire Department is allowing a local burning ban to end. 

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Officials issued the city-wide burning ban on September 1. It was put in place due to continuing local drought conditions that were coupled with hot temperatures, low humidity and windy conditions. 

A news release issued by the fire department Wednesday evening says cooler temperatures and brief periods of light rain on Wednesday prompted the fire department to call off the ban. It was allowed to expire at 8 a.m. Thursday. 

Officials warn drought conditions are expected to continue despite the cooler temperatures. Rochester residents are asked to use caution around any combustible materials and dry vegetation. 

The Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday afternoon that a county-wide burning ban was called off as of 8 a.m. Thursday. 

Open burning, recreational fires, campfires and burning of any kind even with a permit were prohibited under the county’s burn ban.