Warren County Enacts Burn Ban Amid Dry Conditions

Indianola Fire District among areas under order as fire risk remains high

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Leading fire departments across Warren County, including the Indianola Fire Department, have jointly requested a countywide burn ban from the Iowa State Fire Marshal due to persistent dry conditions and lack of rainfall that have left vegetation across the county dry and dead, creating a severe fire risk with the potential for rapid, uncontrolled spread.

Why it matters

Burn bans are an important public safety measure to reduce the risk of wildfires during periods of drought and high fire danger. The Indianola Fire District covers a large swath of central Warren County, so this ban will impact a significant portion of the local population and agricultural areas.

The details

Pursuant to Iowa Code 100.40, the burn ban within the Indianola Fire District is in effect until further notice beginning at 2 p.m. today, Saturday, February 14. Any violation of the burn ban is a simple misdemeanor. When conditions improve, allowing for a lift of the burn ban, notifications will be made through the City of Indianola website, social media and press release distribution.

  • The burn ban went into effect at 2 p.m. on February 14, 2026.
  • The burn ban will remain in place until further notice.

The players

Indianola Fire Department

The fire department that covers approximately 125 square miles of territory in the center of Warren County, Iowa.

Iowa State Fire Marshal

The state agency that has the authority to enact countywide burn bans in Iowa.

Warren County

The county in Iowa where the Indianola Fire District is located and where the burn ban has been enacted.

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What’s next

When conditions improve, allowing for a lift of the burn ban, notifications will be made through the City of Indianola website, social media and press release distribution.

The takeaway

This burn ban highlights the severe drought conditions impacting central Iowa and the need for residents to be vigilant about fire safety during periods of high wildfire risk. It also demonstrates the importance of local fire departments and state agencies working together to protect public safety.