State officials have issued a statewide burn ban due to extremely dry conditions and concern over first responder safety in these dangerously high temperatures.

State Fire Marshal Dan Wallis and Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain issued the statewide cease and desist order on Monday for all private burning.

The order will remain in effect until rescinded.

Private burning will be allowed only by permission of local fire departments or local government.

The ban does not apply to prescribed burns by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, by those trained and certified by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, and by those who conduct prescribed burning as a generally accepted agriculture practice.

The use of barbecue grills, fire pits and small campfires for brief, recreational purposes are not affected by the burn ban.

Any violation of the burn ban can result in criminal and/or civil penalties.