VIDALIA — Concordia Parish enacted an indefinite burn ban due to hot and dry conditions Monday morning, and the Adams County Board of Supervisors extended its current burn ban through July 16.

“It is so hot and dry, it has been so long since we have had any rainfall, that any spark can start a fire,” Concordia Parish Police Jury President Melvin Ferrington said.

Ferrington said the ban applies to campfires and bonfires, but that controlled burns will be allowed if local fire departments are present.

The ban will not affect fireworks, Ferrington said, though he urged caution with their use.

“People need to be sure they shoot (firecrackers) in a safe place, not in grass patches or where they will go into grass patches,” he said. “They also need to be sure and have water available and on hand.”

The county’s no-exception ban was extended on the advice of Adams County Emergency Management Director Stan Owens, who said the extended rain forecast for the area offers only a 10-20 percent chance of rain through the end of the week.

The county revised its stance on fireworks late in the day Monday, saying they are banned in the unincorporated parts of the county. Natchez Fire Chief Oliver Stewart said fireworks are never allowed in the city limits, but that enforcement of that law will be lax this week.

The Adams County burn ban was first enacted June 28.