By KRWG News
Silver City – Grant County commissioners have prohibited open fires and most fireworks because of drought conditions in the southwestern New Mexico county.
Commissioners proclaimed a fire hazard emergency Monday.
They have banned outdoor smoking in unincorporated parts of the county except on private residential property or barren dirt, pavement and concrete that has proper disposal for burning objects.
The Grant County Fire Department Association published fire restrictions last week after Silver City banned open fires.
The city and county fire ordinances stem from continuing drought and wind conditions.
Grant County officials say a nearly 1,500-acre wildfire early in the month destroyed 13 homes and dozens of outbuildings. Authorities have said it was ignited by a catalytic converter.
___
Information from: Silver City Daily Press, http://www.scdailypress.com
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.