Ventura County issues burn ban amid dry conditions

VENTURA, Calif. (KABC) -- Ventura County Fire Department suspended Tuesday all burning permits and open fires within the county until further notice in response to extreme dry weather.

"Until the threat of wildfire can be reduced by more rainfall, we should minimize the risk of any potential ignitions," Ventura County Fire Chief Mark Lorenzen said in a statement.

Campfires on private property in a designated site that prevents flames from spreading will continue to be allowed.

To avoid wildfires, firefighters recommend residents finish yardwork before 10 a.m. and avoid yardwork on a hot or windy day; not toss cigarettes out of car windows; not drive cars onto dry grass or brush; and use spark arresters on portable gasoline-powered equipment, such as tractors, chainsaws and motorcycles.

For more information about the burn ban, visit Ventura County Fire Department's website.