A new burning ban was put into effect Wednesday night by the Douglas County Commission.

The ban was requested by township fire chiefs who were concerned about the combination of dry conditions and high winds.

The ban prohibits careless use and disposal of smoking materials, including cigarettes, cigars and pipes. All smoldering remains should be discarded in nonflammable containers.

The building, maintaining or using of an open fire or campfire is prohibited except in permanent stoves or fireplaces in barbecue grills in developed recreational sites or on residential home sites. Also prohibited are burning of fencerows, fields, trash, debris or other materials.

Rain is predicted for the weekend and if conditions improve, Commission Chairman Bob Johnson can act on his own to remove the ban.