A fire ban is currently in effect in Jackson and Hamblen Townships.

The chiefs of the Jackson, Fruitdale and Hamblen fire departments filed paperwork with the state Tuesday, June 26 to establish the ban, which outlaws most open burning.

Residents may still use grills and fire rings for outdoor activities. Ceremonial fires are also allowed.

The ban is set for review in 30 days, unless it is rescinded prior to that deadline.

As of midnight, Thursday, June 28, a county-wide fire  ban will be in place, as well.

According to Brown County Emergency Management Director Dallas "Dak" Kelp, the county is likely to meet two of the three criteria for instating a ban by Friday. warranting the action. These include: the Keetch Byrum Drought Index, which measures the amount of precipitation necessary to return soil to full field capacity; 1,000-hour fuel moisture, which measures the amount of moisture in fallen logs 12-14 inches in diameter; and a survey of local fire departments to determine if there has been an increase in field fires or if burns have been atypical for the time of year.

As of Wednesday, June 27, said Kelp, 1,000-hour fuel moisture had reached ban criteria. KBDI measurements have been steadily increasing over the past several weeks, as well, and the most recent measurements were quickly nearing ban levels.

Despite the ban, which will intially last seven days and go longer if the Brown County Board of Commissioners decides to extend it in their next session, the Lion's Club Fourth of July fireworks will still take place July 4 at the Brown County High School football field.

Extra firefighting personnel will be on site in case of emergency.

In addition to minding fire safety practices, Kelp also notes that residents should be wary of the dangers presented by the heat. In the past two weeks, he said, emergency responders have been called to several incidents where individuals are suffering from heat-induced illnesses.

Kelp recommended that those engaging in outside activities work to remain hydrated and to take breaks often. Outdoor work, like gardening, he said, is best done in the morning before it gets too hot or around twilight, when temperatures start to drop.