The Indiana State Police is asking drivers to help prevent fire on the roads, and also reminding them of state statutes created for the purpose of preventing fires.

A total of 87 Indiana counties reported active burn bans as of Tuesday morning. While the current burn bans have been enacted by local government, Indiana State Police officers may still enforce state law, according to a press release.

Police could issue tickets based on the following statutes:

• Indiana Code 35-45-3-3 sets forth that a person who throws a lighted cigarette, cigar, match or other burning material from a moving motor vehicle commits a Class A infraction.

• Under Indiana Code 35-45-3-2, drivers may commit a Class B infraction if they recklessly, knowingly or intentionally place or leave litter on property of another person.

COUNTY PARKS MAY GET RESTRICTIONS BECAUSE OF BURN BAN

Elkhart County leaders will hold a special meeting Thursday to discuss whether to revise the countywide ban on open burning that was issued more than a month ago. The board of commissioners is expected to vote whether to prohibit smoking, charcoal grills, campfires and other recreational fires in county parks.

The commissioners will meet at 2 p.m. in room 104 at the Elkhart County Administration Building, 117 N. Second St. in Goshen.

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS WEIGH IN ON BAN’S IMPORTANCE

Osolo Township leaders worry that some residents are not taking the burn ban seriously, according to a letter to The Elkhart Truth signed by township fire chief Jerry Miller, trustee Benny Russo and advisory board chairman Dick Griffen.

“We find the number of grass fires in the local area since the burn ban was imposed disturbing,” their letter begins. “The number of these fires started as a result of people ignoring the burn ban is unforgiveable.”

The three officials encourage residents to obey the burn ban until the county cancels the emergency order. They also remind the public that grass, plants and trees are especially vulnerable to fires because of the ongoing drought.

The letter written by Miller, Russo and Griffen can be found on page A4 in today’s edition of The Elkhart Truth.