If the fire index is low, during the summer and depending on the weather, fires are allowed, but if it's dangerous, we put out open fire bans. There is no open burning except with a permit that is given by a local fire chief, but any time you're burning on your own property a permit is needed any time of day.

Some towns have different fire ordinances, so residents should make sure they call the fire departments to find out what the regulations are.

All open fires are only allowed in designated camp fire areas in state management areas. Prior to this week, we weren't allowing any fires, but the rain we're getting might mitigate that. I don't foresee a long term ban in the management areas. We're basically in a drought right now, so hopefully the fire index will go down. The ground needs to be wet enough so fires don't get out of control.

We still attack the fire exactly the same way we do in normal weather conditions. We just plan ahead for this type of weather and what we're going to be faced with.

Unfortunately I don't think it's a case of 'if'. I think that the weather conditions are conducive to rapid fire spread.

We are not going to stop this fire until we get a break in the weather.