A statewide burn ban has been issued during this COVID-19 pandemic public health emergency.

The reasons given by the State Fire Marshal are to reduce irritants in the air created by smoke that can adversely affect those suffering from respiratory issues, whether associated with COVID-19 or not, or confuse people who are trying to determine whether their respiratory issues are caused by COVID-19 or not.

The order is to also reduce the potential for fire-related emergency calls which could put first responders in close proximity to each other and the public as well as potentially tax shortened staffs affected by COVID-19.

The order is not related to dry or wet environmental conditions.