The lack of rain and recent hot temperatures have left many parts of Iowa dry, increasing the threat of grass fires. Due to the conditions, most of Black Hawk County is now under a burn ban.

The State Fire Marshal's Office has ordered the burn ban at the request of Mindy Benson, Black Hawk County's Emergency Management Director. In her request, she stated that several local fire departments are in agreement that the dry conditions currently present a danger to life and property.

The ban goes into effect immediately and generally covers the southern half of the county. Specifically, open burning is not permitted in the following fire districts until further notice: Elk Run Heights, Evansdale, Hudson, La Porte City and Waterloo.

The proclamation prohibiting opening burning will remain in effect until further notice. The ban will be lifted when Benson notifies the State Fire Marshall that conditions have improved.

Black Hawk is one of five areas in Iowa where open burning is currently prohibited. Bans were also issued this week for Audubon, Lyon and Polk counties, while Hardin County has been under a burn ban since June 14.

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