Raleigh, N.C. — State forestry officials said that they have reintroduced the statewide ban on outdoor burning as of noon Thursday and have again canceled all burning permits.

"The reason for the ban is the persistent dry and windy conditions blanketing North Carolina has made forest fuels such as leaves and branches extremely dry and increased the amount of wildfire activity statewide. The ban on open burning will be in effect until further notice," the Division of Forest Resources said in its announcement.

Officials have introduced, then lifted, then reintroduced the ban several times as drought conditions have varied in recent months.

The state-imposed burn ban applies to open burning more than 100 feet from an occupied dwelling. Burning within 100 feet of such buildings is controlled by local officials, though county fire marshals often impose bans when the state does.