BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — Multiple forest fires across the county prompted Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty to sign an executive order Thursday prohibiting all open burning until further notice.

Lafferty said weather forecasters indicate a prolonged dry period with little precipitation expected.

The order states these conditions endanger public health and safety, add a heightened risk to firefighters and threaten the natural resources of Martin County.

Forest fires burned Monday night in Beauty, on Route 645 at Milo and Spence Branch in Tomahawk.

Last week, fires burned in Warfield and Beauty, endangering homes on Collins Creek.