http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-989745.mp3
CARTHAGE, IL – Carthage will no longer give warnings to people who violate a ban on open burning. The city's ban on open burning has been in effect since mid-summer due to dry conditions.
Mayor Jim Nightingale said the city has publicized the policy in local media. He said the city has given warnings to violators but the incidents continue. He said there is no reason for the violations.
Nighintgale said, "We're going to start fining people. We had four or six incidents over the weekend. People actually burning trash and leaves so we're not going to give any more warnings out. There will be tickets written."
He said one incident over the weekend briefly threatened several homes. The residents had been watering their yards. Nightingale said they quickly extinguished the fire themselves using their garden hoses.
He said the fines will start at $50.