Lauderdale County residents will have to wait to burn brush piles or other debris as a burn ban is in effect.

In an executive order signed Friday, Gov. Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency due to drought conditions and banned outdoor burning throughout 40 Mississippi counties.The order comes a day after the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks announced a ban on open fires such as fire pits and debris burning at all state parks and fishing lakes.

In a social media post announcing the order, Reeves said the ban was needed as there is little chance of significant rain in the near future.

“With current drought conditions and little rainfall in the forecast, we are taking action now to protect the public,” he said. “The state of Mississippi will continue to monitor conditions and respond as needed.”

The Lauderdale County Emergency Management Agency on Saturday alerted residents to the burn ban and said those found violating the order could face fines.

The risk of wildfire is expected to remain with hot, dry weather expected throughout the week.

Temperatures in excess of 100 degrees are expected through Saturday, with heat stress warnings forecast through the week. The National Weather Service and Mississippi Emergency Management Agency are warning residents to take precautions and avoid outside strenuous activity.

The scorching temperatures are also expected to increase the risk of wildfire as the week goes on.