The open burn ban that has been issued for both Washington and Keokuk County is still in effect.  Emergency Management Coordinator Larry Smith says the conditions have not improved enough to lift the ban.  Currently open burns are too dangerous and could threaten lives or properties.

The State Fire Marshall’s office issued the ban a couple weeks ago on open burns in both counties.  The only way to conduct a burn during this time is by applying for a permit.

Smith says officials will re-evaluate the situation later in the harvest season and if things improve they will lift the ban.