Marshall County EMA issues safety reminders for spring yard debris burning

Monday, March 30, 2026 at 11:00 PM

By Kathy Bottorff

As warmer weather arrives and residents dive into their spring cleaning routines, Marshall County EMA is reminding the public to exercise caution when clearing and burning yard debris.

To help prevent dangerous structure and field fires, authorities are urging residents to be smart and safe about open burning. Key safety guidelines include burning only natural vegetation, ensuring fires are lit during calm wind conditions, and avoiding burning altogether during prolonged dry periods.

Safety experts emphasize the critical importance of never leaving a burn pile unattended. Anyone conducting a burn should always have immediate access to water, a hose, or other methods to quickly extinguish the fire if it begins to get out of control.

EMA Director Jack Garner said that by following these simple precautions, community members can safely manage their spring yard cleanup while protecting their property and neighbors.

For more detailed information regarding state laws and safety guidelines, residents are encouraged to review Indiana’s open burning regulations online at https://www.in.gov/idem/openburning/.