WAYNESBORO, VA (Rocktown Now) — A temporary open burn ban is now in effect in the City of Waynesboro until further notice.

Responding to Special Weather Statements issued by the National Weather Service, City officials indefinitely implemented the ban at 3pm Thursday afternoon out of an abundance of caution.

Open-air outdoor cooking that utilizes an open fire and fires in a portable outdoor fireplace are restricted.

However, enclosed pellet stoves, charcoal and gas grills are exempt from the burn ban.

Meanwhile, Virginia’s annual spring open-burn restrictions also remain in effect through April 30th.