Orange — Authorities in Orange County on Friday reinstituted an outdoor burning ban.

A burning ban by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources prohibits open burning 100 feet or more from an occupied dwelling, and the county ban covers open burning regardless of the distance from a structure.

The rash of wildfires across the state last weekend, along with a diminished water supply due to the drought prompted the county to ban all open burning.

Jacob Pressley, Orange County Forest Ranger, also expressed concerns for homes next to woodlands.

“Homeowners should use extra precaution in removing combustible materials next to their house,” Pressley said.

Firewood, pine straw, leaves, dead limbs and other combustible materials should be moved 30 feet or more away from the structure.