WESTPORT — A townwide ban on open fires is in effect because of tinderbox conditions caused by the current stretch of dry, sunny weather.

The ban on burning, according to Fire Marshal Terry Dunn, includes fire pits, chimineas and campfires.

Under current weather conditions, Dunn said, sparks from a fire can trigger a brush fire that would spread rapidly.

The weather pattern is expected to continue at least through the weekend, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a “Red Flag Warning” for the region through 7 p.m. Wednesday.

With sunny skies, low humidity and temperatures cresting in the mid-70s Wednesday, the NWS says that “critical” fire conditions will prevail throughout most of the day. 

The warning may be extended at least through Thursday, the weather service indicates.