DES MOINES, Iowa — Ahead of what’s predicted to be a warm, dry and windy weekend the Iowa Fire Marshal has placed several counties under a burn ban.

Despite record rains in July, Iowa has seen low rainfall across August and September along with clinging heat as we head into fall. This weekend is predicted to be warm, dry, and windy, igniting concerns as Iowa farmers continue operations in fields.

Burn bans are placed during periods of dry conditions or when open fire could prove dangerous to the surrounding area. Special permission to host a supervised fire can still be requested through your counties fire marshal.

As of Friday afternoon, the following seven Iowa counties were under a burn ban:

• Cedar County
• Clinton County
• Hancock County
• Kossuth County
• Scott County
• Winnebago County
• Wright County

Counties under a burn ban are prohibited from recreational or opening burning, such as leaves or brush, and cautioned against using equipment that sparks, specifically in fields. Burn bans stay in effect until the state fire marshal determines conditions are again safe.

Several fire departments have recommended farmers keep a close on eye on their fields and equipment this weekend, as well as leaving tillage equipment hooked up for quick use if needed. Authorities also ask residents to be mindful of cigarettes or possible fire dangers.

The bans are expected to stay in place over the weekend and possibly into the beginning of the week. To stay up to date on Iowa burn bans visit their website.