BURN BANS IN EFFECT

Mason County implemented a burn ban July 7 to prohibit all recreational fires in the county.

According to the state Department of Natural Resources website, the fire danger rating in the county is "very high," which is the second highest rating possible. Campfires, recreational fires and charcoal briquettes are prohibited in the county, but cooking stoves, barbeques and recreational fire pits fueled by propane or gas with a shutoff valve are authorized.

Mason County Fire Marshal Randy Collins said there is a sense of relief with the burn ban in place.

"I think everybody knows by this point fro...