The fire risk in Ames has been unexpectedly high the past few weeks, leading state officials to consider putting a burn ban in place.

“We never did a burn ban in Story County,” Ames Fire Chief Rich Higgins said. “It never rose to that level, but there was some talk at the State level about perhaps pursuing a burn ban. By the time those conversations were taking place, we ended up getting some rain over that weekend.”

Ames winters have a reputation for heavy, wet snowfall accompanied by ice and freezing temperatures. These factors and the occasional melt provide Ames with plenty of moisture to keep the fire risk at bay. 

This winter has been a different story. Ames has experienced much less snowfall than usual, with temperatures consistently dipping from above-freezing to below-freezing. In terms of precipitation, the snow Ames has experienced has been dry and powdery, with the ground being too frozen to absorb any moisture.

“We have not experienced a winter like this with limited precipitation in a long time,” Higgins said. “With it being a dry summer and fall at the end of 2024, I think that just carried through to the beginning of 2025, and that created a situation where we didn’t get the moisture that we needed.” 

Though the fire risk has decreased slightly due to the influx of snow Wednesday, Ames residents should stay diligent to ensure they practice fire safety in their homes and properties. 

William Gallus, professor of Earth, atmosphere and climate, suggested Ames residents pay attention to weather forecasts.

“Definitely avoid any outdoor fires or activities that could lead to a spark on days when there is a red flag warning or a statement from the National Weather Service warning of elevated fire risk,” Gallus stated in an email to the Daily. “On the other days, it would also be wise to be extra careful outside with anything that could start a fire.”

Higgins also advised Ames residents to walk their properties once a week, regardless of fire risk. Residents should be aware of any debris on their property that could potentially spark and can aid in reducing the fire risk by regularly cleaning their yards of debris. 

“With [less] snowfall this year and the decreased precipitation, it has definitely made the dead vegetation very dried out and very susceptible to catching fire,” Melissa Spencer, Story County emergency management coordinator, said. “We always recommend that when it’s windy and dry like this, that people don’t burn anything.”

To stay up to date on burn bans, visit this link.

For more information on the Ames Fire Department, visit their website.

To learn more about fire safety, visit the National Fire Protection Association website.