Nearly half of all the Kansas counties, including Atchison, have declared a burn ban until further notice because of the hot and dry conditions.

Atchison county Kansas issued a burn ban last week.

The ban does not include fireworks. Officials urged cation however using fireworks with the hot and dry weather conditions.

The Kansas adjunct general’s office said this week 45 of the 105 counties have a burn ban in place.

Stafford county in south central Kansas has strong restrictions in place, meaning burning is not allowed unless the fire department deemed the site safe for burning.  

Gov. Sam Brownback said Tuesday that 36 counties are in drought emergency, 55 counties are in drought warning status and 14 are in watch status. 

Meanwhile state officials want to curb use of fireworks at state parks and lake for the July 4 holiday.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism said Tuesday that only two of the state’s 26 state parks will allow personal fireworks to be used on the holiday. Visitors may use them in restricted areas of Perry State Park and at Elk City State Park.