MEMPHIS, Tenn — While we have had some beneficial rain lately, burn bans are still in effect for parts of the area due to an otherwise dry summer.
As of August 3rd, a burn ban is in effect for Cross, Lee, Mississippi, and Crittenden Counties in Arkansas.
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A burn ban is issued when dry conditions make it dangerous to do any kind of outdoor burning, as fires can spread quickly. The burn ban makes it illegal to burn anything outdoors, including limbs or trash.
The ban will remain in effect until local officials determine that enough rain has fallen to reduce the risk of fires.
Even areas that aren't under an official burn ban should exercise extreme caution when burning, as the entire Mid-South has been abnormally dry recently.
In the month of June, Memphis saw less than an inch of rain, which is well below the monthly normal of nearly four inches. The dry spell has continued into July, leading to a moderate drought to be declared in parts of the area.
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