Due to the dry conditions, officials have issued a ban on open burning in Lexington and Fayette County.

Burn permits will be suspended beginning Wednesday.

The ban prohibits all outdoor burning until we receive significant rainfall.

The types of fires covered under the ban include:

(1) fires set for recreational or ceremonial purposes;
(2) fires set for the purpose of weed abatement and pest prevention;
(3) fires set for recognized agricultural, silvicultural, range, and wildlife management practices;
(4) fires set for disposal of natural growth for land clearing, and trees and limbs felled by storms.

Grills are not covered under the ban, but officials ask that you not leave them unattended. They also want people to keep them away from tall grass or any other materials that can burn.

Right now, fireworks usage is not covered under the burn ban. Officials say the situation is being evaluated daily and the status of fireworks restrictions is subject to change.

Officials want to remind people if they do use fireworks, they must comply with Lexington's fireworks ordinance and should use extreme caution when doing so to ensure that the fireworks do not come into contact with mulch, brush, grass, trees, or other combustible materials.

If you have questions you can contact the Lexington Fire Department at (859) 231-5600.