UPDATE: Henderson County burn ban will remain in effect

UPDATE:

The Henderson County burn ban will remain in effect, according to the local emergency management director, in a social media post.

"What rain we received recently was minimal and did little to improve us from the Level 2 (Severe) drought we are currently still under. We are currently in a very dry pattern but that will change," wrote Kenny Garrett.

"Tomorrow afternoon and evening brings a slight chance for Showers & Thunder-Storms. The remainder of the week will be sunny, cool and dry though until late weekend when rain chances increase again. It's possible those could increase our status to Level 1 (Moderate). If so, we'll re-evaluate the burn ban at that time.

"Remember you can still use your grills and smokers, but open burning is prohibited during this ban."

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HENDERSON, Ky. - Friday's steady rainfall was definitely needed, but a county burn ban will remain in effect at least through the weekend in Henderson County.

Judge-executive Brad Schneider said that after consulting with local fire officials and Henderson Emergency Management Agency Director Kenny Garrett, it was decided that the burn ban would remain in place for now.

"On Monday, we'll re-evaluate things," he said.

Schneider said emergency officials believe the safest course of action -- given how dry things have become -- is to take a wait-and-see attitude for a few days  and gauge how much rain has fallen.

Schneider issued the current burn ban on Monday, Sept. 30 -- joining Webster, Union and nearly 100 other Kentucky counties in banning outdoor fires.

That order stated "In accordance with KRS 149.401 I, Brad Schneider, Judge Executive of Henderson County hereby impose a Burn Ban for Henderson County, KY. This includes the Cities of Henderson, Robards and Corydon. 

"Exemptions include personal food preparation using outdoor gas or charcoal grills or other self-contained cooking platforms. Food preparation for community events such as Burgoo or BBQ at which a city or volunteer fire department provides on-site fire protection. 

"All other open burning is prohibited. This order is effective immediately and will last until further notice."

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