UPDATE: Officials warn against burning

4:45 P.M. UPDATE – Pulaski County has declared a local emergency and has issued a ban on all outdoor burning. There is a heightened risk for wildfires due to drought and abnormally dry conditions.

The local state of emergency orders that it is unlawful for any person to light or maintain any fire in the open air on any land, public or private, located within Pulaski County. This prohibition includes the burning of any wood, brush, logs, leaves, grass, debris, or other inflammable material. The ban does not include the use of propane or natural-gas outdoor grills and similar gas-fired cooking equipment or the proper use of emergency road flares.

Violation of this order shall constitute a Class 1 Misdemeanor.

This order shall be effective immediately and continue until the local declaration of emergency has been lifted.