“It’s like gasoline on a fire out there right now.”

That was how John McArdle, Nesquehoning emergency management coordinator, described the dry conditions around the area due to the lack of soaking rain.

He told borough council on Wednesday night that it is important to keep the burn ban in effect at this time, using the Bear Mountain fire in Jim Thorpe as an example.

“The woods are very, very dry and with the lack of humidity and temperatures tomorrow (Thursday), it is more than likely there are going to be a very high probability of brush fires,” he said.

McArdle stressed the importance of refraining from burning until the area gets enough soaking rain to help moisten the ground cover.

But even with the warnings, he said that people continue to burn.

“They still decide that they need to burn. It’s just unbelievable.”

Residents should refrain from any open burning, campfires, discarding cigarettes outside unless in labeled receptacles and be vigilant of the drought conditions.

Councilman Paul Kattner said that you can see evidence on the Broad Mountain of people who are going up four-wheeling, having campfires.

“Please be careful,” he said. “If a fire starts in some of these places, it’s going to be trouble.”

Council ratified the borough burn ban until May 10, but agreed that it would extend it at that time if no rain occurs.

“Looking at the 10-day forecast, it doesn’t look very favorable for any type of rain,” McArdle said.

Council and the police department said that they would post warnings on the borough website and Facebook pages to remind residents of the dangers associated with burning right now.

Police Chief Bradley Hess also said that if anyone sees someone burning during the burn ban, they should contact police and an officer will come out to handle it.