The State Fire Marshal and the fire chiefs of Dubuque County have put in place a burning ban effective noon today April 27th 2018. The ban will remain in place until the conditions improve with adequate rain in order to lessen the threat to life and property. The ban includes any open burning of fields, fence lines, leaves and yard waste. The exceptions to the ban include the use of outdoor fireplaces or barbeque grills. Fire pits can be used as long as the fire pit is constructed of metal, concrete, masonry or heavy one inch wire mesh. The fire pits need to have a metal cover with no openings greater than one square inch and must be attended at all times. Thank you for your cooperation and for abiding by the law.