Local fire departments are urging fire protection in dry conditions

DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) – As dry weather increases fire danger across the region, local fire departments are taking measures to ensure the safety of residents.

The city of Rock Island has issued a total fire ban, while Moline is urging people to follow strict fire safety guidelines, especially when using fire pits.

Due to the ongoing drought, Rock Island has implemented a total ban on burning. The ban applies to all forms of open burning – not just garden waste or garbage, which are always prohibited by regulation, but also recreational fires such as fire pits.

Fire Chief Bob Graff explained the need for the ban: “We’ve had about an inch of rain in the last six, seven weeks. At this point we should be about five to six inches tall. So it just dries everything out.”

Fire pits are normally allowed for recreational purposes, but given the drought, the city has banned those too.

The fire chief emphasized the seriousness of the situation and pointed out that even a small spark from a fireplace or a cigarette could easily start a fire.

“An ember gets into the grass or next to a garage, spreads under the cars parked in the grass, and a car burns pretty quickly,” Graff said. “With no significant rainfall expected, the city wants to reduce the fire risk and ensure everyone’s safety.”

Rock Island has seen an increase in wildfires, making a fire ban essential. “Normally, fire pits are allowed for recreational purposes, but given the drought, the city has banned those as well,” Graff added.

There have been several vegetation fires on Rock Island recently. “We’ve had about half a dozen bushfires in the last 12 days,” the Graff said.

While the burning of yard waste, construction materials and trash is permanently prohibited in Moline, recreational fires are still permitted under certain conditions. The fire department asks residents to exercise caution when using fire pits.

“We do not allow leaves, yard waste, construction materials or trash of any kind. However, this does not include recreation,” said Moline Fire Inspector Kevin Sorby. “It’s really important that your fire pit is at least 25 feet away from buildings. It is important to use pre-cut logs, not yard waste, leaves, building materials or trash.”

The department also reminded residents to always have a water source nearby and to never leave a fire unattended. “Once the fire is extinguished, it is important that it is completely extinguished,” Sorby added.

For more information about Rock Island’s fire ban or Moline fire safety tips, residents are encouraged to visit their respective city’s websites or contact the fire department directly.

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