Statewide burn ban goes into effect

A statewide burn ban is now in effect until further notice due to the public health emergency associ-ated with COVID-19.

The burn ban went into effect Wednesday.

“This burn ban is necessary to supplement the governor’s ‘Stay At Home’ order aimed at mitigating the spread of COVID-19 due to the anticipation that there may be an increase in open burning occur-ring across the state as families look for ways to pass the time at home,” said State Fire Marshal H. “Butch” Browning in a news erlease.

Barbecue pits, fire pits and small campfires are permitted when used for brief, recreational purposes.