NATCHEZ — Due to dry conditions and lack of rain, a burn ban has been ordered for Adams County residents.

The Adams County Board of Supervisors met Thursday and issued a ban against burning brush, leaves or other items at the recommendation of Adams County Emergency Management Director Stan Owens.

The four-week ban started Thursday and ends Oct. 28. Board of Supervisors President Darryl Grennell said rainfall could cause the supervisors to lift the ban before its scheduled end, but the ban could possibly be extended if rainless weeks persist.

The burn ban does not apply to commercial construction businesses using heavy equipment, provided regulations from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality are met.

Regulations for construction businesses include burning without forced-air-assistance to occur more than 1,500 feet away from a residence. Burnings with forced-air-assistance must be at least 500 feet from a residence.

In other business at Thursday’s meeting, the supervisors voted to appoint Adams County Chancery Clerk Tommy O’Beirne as interim county administrator.

O’Beirne will serve as administrator for approximately 30 to 45 days, until a new county administrator is hired. O’Beirne opted to serve the extra duties without additional pay.

The board also adopted a resolution of appreciation for Interim County Administrator Charlie Brown and his service to the county. Thursday was Brown’s last day to serve as interim administrator.

Brown, who served Adams County for 17 years as the county’s first administrator, retired from the job in 2006.

“We want to thank Mr. Charles H. Brown for coming in and helping service the county,” Grennell said.

The board entered into executive session to discuss personnel matters.