A burn ban has been declared in Jackson County.

The declaration was made Friday by Jackson County Commissioners. Officials say the county is “at risk of widespread fire hazards because of the ongoing drought conditions.” Effectively immediately, the following activities are prohibited in Jackson County:

1. Campfires and other recreational fires, unless enclosed in a fire ring with dimensions of 23 inches in diameter and six-inches high, or larger.

2. Open burning of any kind using conventional fuel such as wood, or other combustible matter, with the exception of grills fueled by charcoal briquettes or propane;

3. The burning of debris, such as timber or vegetation, including such debris that results from building construction activities and/or wind storm debris.

4. The use of burn barrels for any open burning at residential structures. In addition, charcoal from permitted grills shall not be removed from the grills until the charcoal has been thoroughly extinguished.

Commissioners say that this burn ban will remain in effect until they officially lift it.