Fire department says recreational fires OK
The Geneva Fire Department has lifted its ban on recreational fires, saying enough rain has fallen the past two weeks to green up vegetation enough that fire risk is reduced.
The department had banned such fires, including the use of fire pits, July 18, due to the drought. They feared sparks or embers could catch dried grass and other dried vegetation on fire. At the time, Deputy Chief Jerry Koster said the department had been called to more brush and grass fires than usual.
The department cautions that the area is still in a drought. It also reminds residents that fires are to be supervised by a person 18 or older, must not be left unattended, and that a garden hose or other means to extinguish the fire be kept nearby.
It was the first full summer Genevans were allowed to have recreational fires. The city council changed the law at the request of some residents.
According to the National Weather Service, a quarter-inch of rain was recorded at the DuPage Airport in West Chicago from 1 p.m. Saturday through noon Tuesday.