UPI
WILLIAMSTOWN, Ind. — The small area of Williamstown was evacuated as several fire departments battled huge fires across many counties in central Indiana Thursday, state police said.
Fires were reported in Rush, Shelby, Decatur and Johnson counties with homes evacuated along 1000 South, WTHR, Indianapolis, reported.
The fire had burned almost 1,000 acres by noon Thursday.
Mayor Greg Ballard Thursday signed an executive order banning open burning in Indianapolis and Marion County due to extremely dry weather in central Indiana, WTHR said.
“The recent dry weather conditions pose an imminent threat to our grass, crops, leaves and other vegetation, and as a result it is imperative that we take measures to ensure environmental safety and fire prevention throughout our neighborhoods,” Ballard said.
“All open burning at any time and at any place within the Consolidated City of Indianapolis and Marion County is hereby prohibited.”
Henry and Monroe counties were added to the burn ban Thursday.
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