ELMA, N.Y. -- Elma is the first community in Western New York to issue an outdoor burning ban because of the severe drought.

The town supervisor says the town's disaster coordinator recommended the ban to avoid any fires spreading and getting out of control.

The ban includes but is not limited to fire pits, burning of leaves or branches, scrap lumber, etc." said Dennis Powers, R-Elma town supervisor.

The town is not saying when the ban will be lifted.