Countywide burn bans expand across Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS — Despite a few drizzly days, a dry spell continues to enthrall most of Indiana as countywide burn bans expand into the middle of the state.

On Tuesday, Clinton County joined several neighboring counties in issuing a countywide burn ban. Other nearby Indiana counties currently under a burn ban include Madison, Carroll, White, Cass and Miami.

According to U.S. Drought Monitor, most of central Indiana remains under “moderate drought” conditions with a section that includes Howard, Cass, Caroll, Grant, Madison, Delaware, Blackford and Tipton counties completely or partially categorized as “severe drought.”

A full list of active burn bans can be found here, on the Indiana Department of Homeland Security’s site.

The spell of dry weather has led to a delay in leaves changing color this autumn. Warmer temperatures and dry conditions affect when fall foliage starts to change into shades of yellow, brown, red and orange.

“Right now we are in a pretty dry period this fall which means fall colors could theoretically last (for) less time than they usually do and then if warm temperatures hang around that can delay the start,” said Eli Major, an interpretive naturalist with Brown County State Park and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

To read about peak timing to enjoy fall colors in central Indiana, click here.