The Grant County Board of Commissioners on May 22 declared extreme or severe drought conditions in the unincorporated areas of the county and voted to impose fireworks restrictions for public safety.

County staff presented the latest drought-monitor map during a public hearing and said the area of exceptional drought had grown; staff reported that roughly 95% of the county was classified in the exceptional drought category. Based on that analysis, the county manager and staff recommended continuing or imposing restrictions on fireworks to reduce wildfire risk.

Commissioners opened a public hearing on the drought question, heard from no speakers who wished to testify, and then voted unanimously to adopt the proclamation imposing fireworks restrictions. The vote was recorded without dissent.

What happens next: The county proclamation restricts fireworks in unincorporated Grant County as long as the board maintains the drought finding or until further action rescinds the restriction. The county manager and staff will handle public notification and enforcement guidance for the restriction.