The Woodstock Fire Department has issued a complete ban on open-air burning within the city.
In a press release issues Wednesday afternoon, department officials said the ban was prompted by the dry conditions within the city after one of the driest Mays on record, as well as the special air quality statement issued by Environment Canada.
This special air quality statement relates to high levels of air pollution related to smoke plumes from massive forest fires in Quebec and northeastern Ontario.
The Woodstock ban applies to all recreational and agricultural burning, department officials said, but does not affect manufactured appliances such as barbecues.
While there is some rain expected in the short-term forecast, ongoing conditions will be monitored to determine with the open-air fire ban will be lifted.