Cass County EMA urges residents to avoid burning

Last Updated on October 1, 2025 by Cass County Communication Network

Due to dry conditions and a series of recent field fires, Cass County Emergency Management Agency is urging residents to exercise extreme caution when burning or avoid it all together if possible. Cass County is currently under a moderate drought, according to the National Weather Service, and no rain is currently forecast until next week.

On the afternoon of October 1 local response agencies responded to two fires that spread quickly due to dry conditions and wind.

The first occurred near the intersection of County Road 150 North and 450 East. Approximately 50 acres were impacted before firefighters from Cass County Fire District 1, Logansport FD, Harrison Township-Lucerne FD, Twelve Mile FD and New Waverly Fire Department were able to bring the blaze under control. County Road 450 E was closed for a period of time due to the zero visibility conditions created by the fire and rapid fire spread endangering vehicles near the roadway. The Cass County Fire District 1 estimates 10,000 gallons of water were needed to extinguish the fire. This fire was likely started by hot farming machinery in very dry crops.

The second fire occurred on County Road 600 South near Miami County and started with someone using fire to clear unwanted items. Embers entered the adjacent field and spread across multiple acres. New Waverly and Walton Fire Departments worked together to bring the fire under control.

Both Indiana Code and Cass County Ordinance 2023-16 outline requirements that must be met for open burning to occur:

a. Burning shall be done during safe weather conditions. Burning shall not occur, during high winds, temperature inversions, air stagnation, or when a pollution alert or ozone action day has been declared.

b. Fires must be attended at all times until completely extinguished.

c. Fires must be extinguished if they create a fire hazard, nuisance, pollution problem, or threat to public health.

d. Fire fighting equipment adequate for the size of the fire shall be on-site and nearby during times of burning.

e. Burning shall not be for disposal purposes.

f. All burning shall comply with other federal, state, and local laws, rules, and ordinances.

Both Indiana Code and County Ordinance also provide more detail on what items are permissible to burn (see resources below).

Resources for more information:

Cass County Ordinance 2023-16 Open Burning Regulations: Ord.-23-16-Open-Burning-Regulations.pdf

Indiana Burn Ban Map: DHS: Burn Ban Map

Indiana Department of Environmental Management Info Card: PressOpen Burning Postcard_RESIDENT__nocardbrd

National Weather Service Drought Information Statements: Drought Information Statement

Photo of County Road 150 N/450 E Field fire; Drone courtesy Cass County Emergency Management Agency