The Mt. Vernon City Council has approved a year-long burn ban on Tuesday.

According to the Southern Illinoisan, the ban had been discussed for over a year, due to health and safety concerns by council members.

The ban was opposed, even though the city offers yard waste removal through a contract with a trash removal service.

Recreational fires are still allowed so long as fires are contained and no larger than 6 feet in size. The ban will take effect within the week.