Burn Ban at Antique Airfield during the AAA/APM Fly-in

With the AAA/APM Invitational Fly-in now just a week away there is some important news that we want to make all Fly-in attendees, especially those who plan on camping at the Fly-in, aware of.

If you have watched the news at all this summer we're certain you are aware of the drought conditions that extend over the Midwest and a great portion of all the US but the coastal areas.

That drought has hit Iowa very hard. Since June 16th Wapello County (were Antique Airfield is situated) has received less than 3" of rain in total. Currently Wapello County is under a burn ban that will not be lifted before or during the AAA/APM Invitational Fly-in.

While we have never allowed open fires anywhere on the flightline, for what should be obvious reasons, during the AAA/APM Invitational Fly-in this year that moratorium will extend to the campgrounds and all of Antique Airfield.

So what does that mean? Well with the cooler (but still dry) weather predicted for the Fly-in, many of those in the campgrounds like to have a campfire at night to gather around an socialize. Unfortunately this year it will not be possible to have those campfires. As well, if you plan to do some cooking in the campgrounds we highly suggest the use of Coleman type campstoves as opposed to charcoal grills. While we are not banning the use of charcoal grills we will have to insist that they be doused with water once their use for cooking purposes is finished to alleviate the possibility of still hot coals being dumped on the grounds and starting a fire.

We realize this may be an inconvenience but the drought and the Burn Ban are a very serious matter in this part of the country. In fact there is a $500 fine just for a first offense if caught with an open fire. So plan accordingly in regards to campstoves/charcoal grills and please. please no campfires or other open fires that might result in us having to use the services of our fine Blakesburg firefighters, as well as the resulting fines.

See you next week and fly safe !!

Brent Taylor
Fly-in Chairman