A burn ban has been issued for Douglas County because of a “very high” fire danger index.

According to the National Weather Service, there is a risk for severe thunderstorms late Tuesday afternoon into the evening that could bring high winds, primarily across areas along and southeast of the Interstate 35 corridor.

A burn ban means all outdoor burning is prohibited in unincorporated areas, including trash barrels and campfires. The bans are temporary and issued to prevent the spread of wildfires when conditions are not safe.

The County Burn Hotline at 785-832-5394 is updated every day at 8 a.m., and it will indicate whether outdoor burning is authorized for that day. For more information on open burn regulations and safety in Douglas County, visit dgcoks.gov/openburning.