The city of McKinney is instituting a burn ban and hot work permit program for those performing hot work or cutting and welding outdoors. The ban comes on the heels of a county-wide burn ban put in place this week. Stacie Durham, public information and education officer for the McKinney Fire Department, said a burn ban is a proactive measure to address the growing concerns of wildfires–also known as grass and brush fires–which can threaten homes and businesses. "We are seeing signs of drought after the excessive heat of the past few days and the lack of rainfall, which is causing an increase in grass fires," she said. "We have been working two small grassfires in close proximity already this morning." City officials said permits will be required until further notice and those found performing hot work without a permit will be subject to citations. The burn ban, issued along with the hot work permitting program, pertains to all trench and recreational fires such as the use of a fire pit or campfire. During the time the burn ban is in effect, the only exception will be a barbecue grill or pit used exclusively for cooking. Permits are issued at the Public Safety Building, located at 2200 Taylor Burk Drive, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. For more information, contact the McKinney Fire Marshal's Office at 972-547-2850 or visit the McKinney Fire Department website at www.mckinneyfire.org.