GATLINBURG (WATE) – The Gatlinburg Fire Department and the Loudon County Government have issued burn bans effective immediately.

Gatlinburg fire officials said they would re-evaluate conditions on November 15. They said they made the decision because of dry conditions along with increased hazardous conditions because of fall leaves.

The burn ban prohibits all open burning. The Gatlinburg Fire Department will not be issuing any burn permits during this ban.

Loudon County officials said the ban would remain in place until further notice.

Open burning of any materials, brush or debris is prohibited during the ban. Campgrounds can allow campfires that are enclosed and contained with appropriate fire rings or other barrier materials (stone, brick, metal).

Knox County already issued a burn ban. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also restricting fires in their backcountry campgrounds.