ESSEX COUNTY, N.Y. —
Officials in Essex County, New York have issued a local state of emergency due to ongoing dry conditions that have led to a number of grass fires in the area.

The state of emergency is in effect from Tuesday, Aug. 12 to Thursday, Sept. 11, but could be rescinded or changed by officials if conditions change.

During the state of emergency, a burn ban is also in effect countywide to prevent fires from starting. Some exceptions for campfires will be allowed.

Officials said the burn ban supersedes all burning permits and will last until Aug. 17 at noon.

Crews in Essex County battled a grass fire off Tower Road in Au Sable Forks on Tuesday that appears to be accidental in nature. The fire spread to more than an acre of land in a heavily wooded area.