Austin Daily Herald

A burning ban has been issued by the Mower County Sheriff's Office.

The ban went into effect Monday, according to Chief Deputy Mark May.

Major grass fires occurred in the Stewartville and Blooming Prairie areas recently, according to the sheriff's office.

Meanwhile, dry conditions have intensified with Monday's unseasonably warm temperatures and strong winds.

Burning -- with or without a permit -- is not allowed at this time. Rain is expected this week and the ban could be lifted after an adequate supply of moisture.

For information, call the Austin-Mower County Law Enforcement Center at 437-9400.