The fire chiefs of Hales Corners, Greendale, Franklin and Greenfield have collectively issued a temporary burn ban prohibiting residents from all outdoor fires, with the exception of grills.

This ban is the result of severe drought conditions. As such, burning and the use of fireworks would constitute a public nuisance affecting safety, a joint news release said.

This ban includes fires in all outdoor fireplaces, pits, camp fires and the private use of consumer fireworks including sparklers, caps and novelty fireworks. An ordinance prohibiting fireworks in Greenfield already exists.

Franklin has had its burn ban in place since June 15.

In order to prevent fires, the community’s police departments will strictly enforce these restrictions, according to the release. Violators of this ban and adults who permit the use of any kind of fireworks, including caps and sparklers, or burning by minors will receive citations.

The ban does not prohibit residents from using contained grills for cooking food.

The ban will remain in place until further notice. Each municipality will post a message on its website when the ban has been lifted. In addition, the release said each community plans to continue with its July 4 fireworks as scheduled.

For more information call:

• Hales Corners: 414-529-6168
• Greendale: 414-423-2131
• Greenfield: 414-761-5306
• Franklin: 414-425-1420