By Mary Alice Murphy

The purpose of the special meeting was to consider and approve a resolution giving Notice of Intent to adopt on ordinance establishing fire fighting and emergency response authority, fire equipment procurement standards and rules regarding fire hazards applicable to the general public, and imposition of burn restrictions during severe drought and other fire emergencies.

County Manager Jon Paul Saari said the ordinance is being considered because of dry conditions and tall dead grass. "Even though we had a little bit of rain, it was not enough to dampen the fire danger. Conditions are not as extreme this year as last, but with the winds, the high dry grass gets worse every day."

County Attorney Abigail Robinson said this is the ordinance that commissioners had talked about in past meetings to allow the fire management officer or the manager to put in restrictions without having to call a special commissioners meeting.

"This ordinance is based on the Silver City ordinance," Robinson said. "Today we are just passing the resolution of intent to pass the ordinance. It will be passed or considered at the next meeting in two weeks. This is a draft for you to review and change as needed."

The next article will address the work session.