INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Dry conditions across much of Indiana have prompted at least a dozen counties to ban outdoor burning and more are likely to follow suit.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security reports bans are in effect in Carroll, Marshall, Fulton, Grant, Knox, Noble, Steuben, St. Joseph, LaGrange and Wabash counties. Officials in Allen and Monroe counties also issued bans Friday.

Nearly 90 percent of Indiana is considered abnormally dry, and about 40 percent of the state is experiencing a moderate or severe drought. The dry conditions have led to a number of brush fires in recent days.

Homeland security officials are urging residents to use caution when filling generators and discarding cigarette butts and to avoid parking on tall, dry grass when attending festivals or other events.

Posted 6/15/2018