Dry Conditions Lead to Burn Ban

 Kevin L. Mayer, co-news editor

In a plan to raise awareness dealing with the risks of fire and fire safety, South Plains College recently has launched a new burn ban campaign.

With the goal to educate students on the proper way to extinguish a cigarette, the Office of Student Affairs has posted information in the designated smoking areas regarding a burn ban. Levelland and the surrounding communities have not recorded rainfall in more than 100 days.

The campus and local police will continue patrolling regularly, but since the dry spell continues, citations will be issued to those who do not properly dispose of non-extinguished materials. This means that a cigarette should be put out completely and placed in the proper container. If convicted, violators will be faced with a fine up to $2,000.

Although the ordinance only applies in Levelland, David Jones, vice president of student affairs, said that it is extremely dry at all SPC locations. Jones also explained that cigarette receptacles are available at most SPC building entrances.

“The majority of those on campus are responsible,” Jones said. The main message is just to remind all those who do smoke to be conscious. Thoroughly and properly dispose of extinguished cigarettes in the proper containers on campus.”

This ban will remain in effect as long as the drought continues. For more information, contact the Office of Student Affairs at (806) 894-9611, ext. 2360.