Morton County's burn ban was in effect Thursday due to a "very high" fire index.

The county's ban is only in effect if the Rangeland Fire Danger Index reaches "very high" or "extreme" fire danger or if the National Weather Service issues a red-flag warning for the area.

The fire danger was considered "very high" for Thursday, meaning open burning and controlled burns were prohibited. Charcoal and gas grills could be used if used correctly and on a flat surface.

A first offense burn ban violation is an infraction, punishable by a $500 fine. A second or subsequent violation is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and fines of up to $1,000.

Burleigh County remained at "medium" fire risk Thursday, so its burn ban was not in effect. Burleigh County has the same type of burn ban as Morton County, so it is in effect only if the fire danger is "very high" or "extreme."

To find out what the fire danger is for North Dakota, visit www.nd.gov/des/info/firedanger.html. The National Weather Service issues statements on each county's fire danger each morning from April 1 to Oct. 31. To check if there is a red-flag warning for the area, visit www.weather.gov.

- Jenny Michael