Wednesday, April 11, 2012 Lancaster County Commissioners this morning unanimously voted to ban open burning across the county to prevent wild fires.  The ban takes effect at 10 a.m. Friday and applies to all open burning, except fires intended specifically for cooking food.

Even burning trash in screen-covered burn barrels is not allowed, officials said.  Violating the ban is punishable by fine up to $300.

The ban will remain in effect for 30 days, unless the commissioners repeal it earlier at the recommendation of state forestry officials.

Due to dry brush and high winds, local fire crews have responded to more than 100 reports of outdoor fires within the past week, according to county emergency officials.