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N.D. (AP) – Nearly a dozen counties in North Dakota have put burning restrictions in place so far this spring due to dry conditions that have increased the danger for wildfires.

Burleigh, Emmons and Stark counties implemented burn bans this week. The counties of Williams, Golden Valley, Dunn, Hettinger, Adams, LaMoure and Dickey had done so earlier.

While a burn ban is in effect, no outdoor burning is allowed. The ban is in effect when the fire danger index is in the very high or extreme categories, and/or if the National Weather Service issues a Red Flag Warning.

The penalty for violation is a Class C misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of 30 days in jail and a $1000 fine.

A grassland fire in Ransom County burned more than 400 acres before being contained Tuesday. Much of the scorched land was in the Sheyenne National Grasslands. The Milnor Fire Department says the blaze was sparked by someone burning garbage.