HARRODSBURG - Mercer County Judge-Executive John D. Trisler issued an executive order Friday that prohibits any outside burning.

The order does not include the cities of Harrodsburg and Burgin. Those residents should contact their local government for status of burning within those city limits.

The ban is because of dangerous conditions resulting from the recent heat wave and drought. It is anticipated the University of Kentucky Agricultural Weather Center will again classify the bluegrass region of Kentucky as suffering from a severe drought, and no significant rain is anticipated for the near future. Trisler noted the dry conditions and the increased chance for a fire to get away from someone. Such fires can endanger people's lives, property, crops, and livestock.

Trisler discussed the issue with the director of the Mercer County Emergency Management Agency and the director talked with the various fire chiefs in the county and they all agreed with the issuance of the executive order.

When burning is allowed, anyone who wants to conduct a controlled burn must contact the Harrodsburg dispatch center at (859) 734-3311 and inform the dispatchers when and where the burn will be conducted.

The only material that may be burned during normal times is woody debris. No construction debris, building materials, plastic, metal or other type material may be burned at any time.

Also, all controlled burns must be attended at all times, and there is to be no burning within 150 feet of any wooded area. No burning is allowed between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. from Oct. 1 to Dec. 15 and Feb.15 to April 30 of each year.