In case you haven't noticed, we haven't gotten a lot of rain this summer.

All the dry vegetation the current drought conditions create can easily catch fire if a spark falls in the wrong spot.

So, the cities of Cedar Falls and Waterloo have both issued burning bans. No bonfires, campfires or any other blazes allowed until further notice.

The Cedar Falls city website says this:

The burn ban includes all areas within the corporate limits of Cedar Falls and the portions of Cedar Falls and Union Townships which Cedar Falls Fire Rescue protects.

This notice is being placed under Sec. 11-54 of the City of Cedar Falls Municipal Code, “Authority to prohibit fires.” The fire chief or his or her designee may prohibit any and all bonfires, recreational fires and fires of any other type upon complaint, or when atmospheric or local conditions within the city create a fire hazard or a health hazard.

Due to the extreme dry conditions which we have not experienced in decades, The City of Cedar Falls has determined that this burning ban is in the best interest of the entire community.

Sorry, Cedar Valley. You'll have to save your smores for another, post-rainy day.